For those approaching pension age ! This may be very useful information.

 

 

Years before 2016 (old pension) will probably not increase your pension.

So buying years from 2006-2016 are not worthwhile.

17 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Years before 2016 (old pension) will probably not increase your pension.

So buying years from 2006-2016 are not worthwhile.

Last year, I was able to buy years right back to 2004!  No idea how the system worked, having been outside the UK since 2002.  But I applied to pay the cheapie class 3 (I think that's the correct number for self-employed), and was able to pay about $3,000 to bring my NI contribution years up to about 28 by the time I retire in 2.5 years from now.

In any event it's surely best, generally speaking, for prospective State pensioners in Thailand to defer applying until AFTER April (like I did way back when) so that, all being well, they will benefit from at least 1 triple-lock increase before their State pensions are placed in the freezer.

48 minutes ago, OJAS said:

In any event it's surely best, generally speaking, for prospective State pensioners in Thailand to defer applying until AFTER April (like I did way back when) so that, all being well, they will benefit from at least 1 triple-lock increase before their State pensions are placed in the freezer.

Or just not tell them you're living outside the UK.

On 11/1/2022 at 8:42 AM, BritManToo said:

Or just not tell them you're living outside the UK.

I am sure no pensoners over here do that ,do they?  Well a one or two dont,lol