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Legal, pensions and money

Scared about lack of pension contributions. Is there anything I can do?

(159 Posts)

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Gossamerbeynon1945 Thu 15-Sept-22 13:44:33

I think you can buy years. I know I did. I have forgotten what they are called, but I definitley did!

Nannarose Thu 15-Sept-22 11:10:37

Totally agree about going on to Govt. Gateway to get an estimate. I'm not going into detail here as rules have changed at different times, but it is quite likely that you have a good many years' contributions.
You can buy up to a certain number of years' contributions, and they will give you those details. I have a relative who 'retired' early after working abroad, and was able to pay for extra years.
I also recommend the moneysavingexpert site for general information.
Good luck!

kittylester Thu 15-Sept-22 02:53:54

Please go on to you house deeds as Tenanrs in common not joint tenants.

MissAdventure Thu 15-Sept-22 02:46:18

I meant to say, you could always ask on here again once you know the state of play.

There are some very astute people on here who can steer you in the right direction.

MissAdventure Thu 15-Sept-22 02:43:16

Well, the first thing to do is create the account.

That part will be fine, and then you can see if it's worth worrying about.

Tackle it head on, bit by bit, like a project, and then you'll feel more in control. smile

BlushingSheep Thu 15-Sept-22 01:22:06

Thanks for your answers, both.

No children, so no child benefit.
When I was unemployed, I did 'sign on', so hopefully there will be some contributions there.
I will set up an account on the Gov site and see what it says, although I'm not going to lie, I feel anxious doing it as then things become real.
The husband has no medical conditions and has never smoked.
I have mentioned my fears to him and he tells me that 'everything will be fine', well I'm worried as he's older than me and no, everything may not be fine...

SynchroSwimmer Thu 15-Sept-22 01:02:13

Begin by creating an account with Gov.uk and then you can easily look at your pension status/NI contributions year by year.

First check of these look correct to you - sometimes they are wrong.
Then look at what they say are missing years
If you had children you will be able to get credits for certain years

There is a very good Facebook page where you can look at replies to similar questions and could get a lot of help too.

Then there is the option to purchase your missing years.

Roughly, I calculated for each extra year I purchase, I get an additional £4 after tax per week (£5 before tax)

There is more to it than this, but these are some basics to get you started.

If your husband was a smoker or has medical conditions it may be worth him seeking advice of an IFA or similar with regard to his occup pensions - there may be possibility of an enhanced rate / opting for a higher widows rate in some circumstances.

growstuff Thu 15-Sept-22 00:52:46

The first thing you need to do is create a Government Gateway account and find out what your pension situation is.

If you have children and were receiving Child Benefit, you will be credited for the years you were receiving it. You will also receive credits, if you were registered as unemployed, even if you didn't receive any benefits.

You have 16 years to pay National Insurance Contributions before you're eligible for state pension, so it's worth trying to get jobs which pay enough and/or to make up for any gaps you have in your pension contributions.

Citizens' Advice might be able to help you.

BlushingSheep Thu 15-Sept-22 00:39:04

Hi, this is my first post, so please be kind.

I am 52 and it has only recently dawned on me that because of the types of jobs I have had all my life (low-paid/temp), I have probably not been paying enough contributions to my state pension. There have been periods of unemployment too.
Is there anything I can do about this, or is it now too late? I have some money coming to me from a will and am wondering if I should use any of it (if it's enough) to top up - assuming that's something you can even do.
My name will shortly be going onto the deeds of our house, and my husband will be getting a couple of small work pensions which he has assured me will be coming to me (or a %) if he passes away first, but I am scared, as the realisation has dawned, that I may well end up homeless and destitute.