uk pension top up

lukluk

Hi All,

Has anyone worked out the UK pension top up thing. I have contributed there for about 5 years meaning I'd need to contribute another 5yrs to qualify for the minimum state pension.

I left UK in late 2012 -

1) does it make sense for me to do a one off top up for nearly 10-11 years (e.g. 2012 to 2023) or should I stick to the minimum contribution to hit 10yrs (e.g. adding just 5yrs)

2) can I re-start contributing monthly / annually despite not living in the UK? Woudl it make sense financially?

Geuze

Read this:

https://www.askaboutmoney.com/threads/uk-state-pension-make-voluntary-contributions-to-qualify-for-uk-pension-on-top-of-irish-pension.230581/

Colm Cummins

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120357070#Comment_120357070

This is a great help, thank you.

hibsman

@lukluk

Hi,

I am in a similiar position and researching it at present.

It would appear that if you are accepted for Class 2 top ups then both backdating and continuing to pay annually is a no brainer.

If class 3, I personally would be thinking of the minimum amount of backdated payments makes sense as the payments are a lot higher.

Masala

Having problems in finding my old uk NI number. I have sent off the form in November 2023 but heard nothing back.

anyone else in same situation??

hibsman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058288053/uk-pension-top-up

Actually I hadnt checked the date on this properly, I see it's from last year, what did you decide to do in the end?

hibsman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121800902#Comment_121800902

Hi Masala,

There was an article about this topic in last Sunday's paper and a bit about lost NI numbers.

It says you can go to gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number or else ring 0044 1912037010 to get through to a helpline.