pension contributions? confused please help

[silverbgirl]

So my jobseeker’s allowance is about to end (even though I still cannot seem to get hired)...
they asked if I want to keep checking in in order to keep getting pension contributions?? I don’t understand. How much will the government pay into it? Is it worth it? Does your pension get affected if you take time off work to look after kids. I have previously had a 3 year gap. What sort of pension would I get anyway? Is it dependent on my salaries or just that I have worked x amount of years?

So confused and typically the jobcentre has no clue how to answer any of these questions....

It should all be on gov.uk under state pension

This sounds like it's to do with your State Pension entitlement. Under current rules you need to have accrued at least 10 years of National Insurance Contributions to get anything, and need 35 years to be able to claim the full basic state pension.

If you are not paying NICs then you may be able to have them credited to you.... for example if you receive Child Benefit and you're at home with young children then you qualify for Home Responsibilities credits. Similar if you're a carer and receive Carer's Allowance. Sounds as though they are talking about similar position even though your JSA is ending.

In short, it probably would be in your best interest to keep checking in with them to maximise your State Pension income in the future when you reach your State Retirement Age. Current full basic pension is about £159 per week.