State pension contributions

[Thingsthatgo]

I have a couple of gaps in my state pension contributions, and I was considering paying them. However, I had a look at my forecast and it looks like it might be unnecessary. If I contribute for 9 more years I will get full state pension. I am 47 now, and I love my work, I have no intention of taking early retirement. Is there any reason why I should buy back the missing years?

Are the gaps relating to times you claimed child benefit? In which case you would have automatically received NI credits.

I think you can take the forecast at face value and conclude that there is no point filling the gaps.

Essentially you need to get 35 years of contributions to get the full amount. You seem to have got 26 years already despite gaps. You have 9 more to get but have 19 years to do it in

I stopped working at 58 so have years where there’s no contribution, up till I get State Pension, but as I worked since I was 16, my forecast is showing the full amount.

You are fine OP, as it says, after another 9 years you will reach the maximum pension and there is no point in paying for the missing years.

It looks like you will be fine as you’ve got lots of earning years left. No need to buy any years.

Thank you all for your help. I thought it was fine, but starting doubting myself when I read all the advice.

I'd be more worried whether there will be a state pension by 2043.

I’m in a similar position. I need to pay for 4 more years for a full state pension but I’ve got 17 years still to go.

You can’t stop paying NI once you’ve fully contributed so I’m not buying any years, as it’s highly unlikely I’ll be earning under the NI threshold at any point in the next 17 years.