I had exactly the same questions as you. I’m 62 with 45 years of NI contributions and had been opted out by my firm due to being in their final salary pension scheme at the time and was concerned that my forecast of the £175 might not be the true figure. I answered all their questions as to Contracted Out Pension Equivalent (COPE). So get your government forecast first and call the “The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS)” which is a Government-backed organisation 0800 011 3797, and they will tell you what you need to know. I’m so much more relaxed now I know for sure what I will get.
I found this information via “This is Money” in the Daily Mail. I tried calling the pensions department directly, but they won’t even take your call unless you’re a few months of retirement age. Good luck
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