Ni Contribitons And Pension

[Desertexile]

I've been out of the UK since 1996 and previous to that was never really gainfully employed in any legal enterprise.

A little while back I did some net research and its very contradictory, so I decided to get a pension forcast from Customs and Inland Revenue. I had an adult moment.

It turns out that the laws have changed:

1. The pensionable age in the UK is now 68

2. You only need 30 years of contributions - which is quite a drop.

3. 30 years of Class 3 'voluntary' contributions allow you to draw a basic state pension abroard. It stands at about 100 GBP per week today.

Anyways, they sent me a forcase and it seems I have 3 qualifying years, years I spent at Uni on a grant I assume.

Part of this forcast was a table of voluntary contributions I can make between 1996 and 2009 - 13 years - all backdated.

The yearly contributions rise steadily over the period, starting at 287 GBP in 1996-1997 rising to 421 GBP in 2008-2009. The total for the 13 years is a pretty reasonable 4700 GBP.

I am contemplating taking advantage now of the opportunity to pay off these back payments at a rate that is considerably less that the current contributions.

So for a fair sum of 4700 I'd have, in total, 16 years of contributions - leaving me just another 14 years to cover.

Im 34 so I'd have another 32 years before I reached pensionable age to pay just another 16 years off.

Finance isnt my thing but when I do the figures, I wouldnt have to live much past 72 to get my wonga back! And old age factors high in my family, my old Gramps just hit a tonne.

So, here's my question, if you read this far - do you keep up your NI payments and if not, given the info above and the changes in law, do you reckon its worth it?

Cheers

[Tyke]

I've been out of the UK since 1996 and previous to that was never really gainfully employed in any legal enterprise.

A little while back I did some net research and its very contradictory, so I decided to get a pension forcast from Customs and Inland Revenue. I had an adult moment.

It turns out that the laws have changed:

1. The pensionable age in the UK is now 68

2. You only need 30 years of contributions - which is quite a drop.

3. 30 years of Class 3 'voluntary' contributions allow you to draw a basic state pension abroard. It stands at about 100 GBP per week today.

Anyways, they sent me a forcase and it seems I have 3 qualifying years, years I spent at Uni on a grant I assume.

Part of this forcast was a table of voluntary contributions I can make between 1996 and 2009 - 13 years - all backdated.

The yearly contributions rise steadily over the period, starting at 287 GBP in 1996-1997 rising to 421 GBP in 2008-2009. The total for the 13 years is a pretty reasonable 4700 GBP.

I am contemplating taking advantage now of the opportunity to pay off these back payments at a rate that is considerably less that the current contributions.

So for a fair sum of 4700 I'd have, in total, 16 years of contributions - leaving me just another 14 years to cover.

Im 34 so I'd have another 32 years before I reached pensionable age to pay just another 16 years off.

Finance isnt my thing but when I do the figures, I wouldnt have to live much past 72 to get my wonga back! And old age factors high in my family, my old Gramps just hit a tonne.

So, here's my question, if you read this far - do you keep up your NI payments and if not, given the info above and the changes in law, do you reckon its worth it?

Cheers

Hi,

First, there is inheritance of longevity - it is not a purely genetic trait and the age of family members is no indication of your future age of death. Sorry about that. In any case, you could head-but a double decker bus one day or fall off a balcony in Pattaya.

Secondly, from my experience (I am approaching retirement age} it is best to delay any updates to your UK contributions for as long as possible because you could die young and/or the rules change (mine became more favourable (the 30 years rule) and am glad I did not pay them all off a few years ago when it was higher.

Thirdly, the amount and age at which the state pension begins will depend on your current age. I am looking forward to my full (non-index linked) UK state pension at 65 (I hope!).

I just hope those 2 or 3 young people who will have to slave away until they are 68 or older are kept alive and employed so that they can pay for my pension when the time comes! Don't want any slacking on this!

[Tafia]

Also bear in mind when working out your cost of contributions that whatever the amount of state pension you have accrued, whilst living in LOS you will not get any annual cost of living rises. At your age you will also have to wait until you are 68 before being able to claim it. That said any extra is always worthwhile.

Edited September 18, 2008 by Tafia

[ChangMaiSausage]

I'm in the same boat but have been working out of the UK for a total of five years, the main point to consider, will there be a state pension available when you/we retire. The slush fund is slowly disppearing, people are living longer blah blah

I'm 37 I have my forecast at home (UK) so I need to make the decision in June next year do i pay or not?

[terrier123]

I've been out of the UK since 1996 and previous to that was never really gainfully employed in any legal enterprise.

A little while back I did some net research and its very contradictory, so I decided to get a pension forcast from Customs and Inland Revenue. I had an adult moment.

It turns out that the laws have changed:

1. The pensionable age in the UK is now 68

2. You only need 30 years of contributions - which is quite a drop.

3. 30 years of Class 3 'voluntary' contributions allow you to draw a basic state pension abroard. It stands at about 100 GBP per week today.

Anyways, they sent me a forcase and it seems I have 3 qualifying years, years I spent at Uni on a grant I assume.

Part of this forcast was a table of voluntary contributions I can make between 1996 and 2009 - 13 years - all backdated.

The yearly contributions rise steadily over the period, starting at 287 GBP in 1996-1997 rising to 421 GBP in 2008-2009. The total for the 13 years is a pretty reasonable 4700 GBP.

I am contemplating taking advantage now of the opportunity to pay off these back payments at a rate that is considerably less that the current contributions.

So for a fair sum of 4700 I'd have, in total, 16 years of contributions - leaving me just another 14 years to cover.

Im 34 so I'd have another 32 years before I reached pensionable age to pay just another 16 years off.

Finance isnt my thing but when I do the figures, I wouldnt have to live much past 72 to get my wonga back! And old age factors high in my family, my old Gramps just hit a tonne.

So, here's my question, if you read this far - do you keep up your NI payments and if not, given the info above and the changes in law, do you reckon its worth it?

Cheers

Yes the pensionable age for yerself will be 68, but for us old farts the changes are as per this article on pensions I just copied.

State Pension age will increase for both men and women from age 65 to 68 between 2024 and 2046.

I hope this is correct cos. mine is due in 5 years.

[sassienie]

I've been out of the UK since 1996 and previous to that was never really gainfully employed in any legal enterprise.

A little while back I did some net research and its very contradictory, so I decided to get a pension forcast from Customs and Inland Revenue. I had an adult moment.

It turns out that the laws have changed:

1. The pensionable age in the UK is now 68

2. You only need 30 years of contributions - which is quite a drop.

3. 30 years of Class 3 'voluntary' contributions allow you to draw a basic state pension abroard. It stands at about 100 GBP per week today.

Anyways, they sent me a forcase and it seems I have 3 qualifying years, years I spent at Uni on a grant I assume.

Part of this forcast was a table of voluntary contributions I can make between 1996 and 2009 - 13 years - all backdated.

The yearly contributions rise steadily over the period, starting at 287 GBP in 1996-1997 rising to 421 GBP in 2008-2009. The total for the 13 years is a pretty reasonable 4700 GBP.

I am contemplating taking advantage now of the opportunity to pay off these back payments at a rate that is considerably less that the current contributions.

So for a fair sum of 4700 I'd have, in total, 16 years of contributions - leaving me just another 14 years to cover.

Im 34 so I'd have another 32 years before I reached pensionable age to pay just another 16 years off.

Finance isnt my thing but when I do the figures, I wouldnt have to live much past 72 to get my wonga back! And old age factors high in my family, my old Gramps just hit a tonne.

So, here's my question, if you read this far - do you keep up your NI payments and if not, given the info above and the changes in law, do you reckon its worth it?

Cheers

So what you’re saying is, you are not resident in the UK and have been involved with illegal activities and want to be eligable for a subsidized UK pension at the expense of the legitimate British worker.

Get lost, pal.

Edited September 18, 2008 by sassienie

[GuestHouse]

Yes the pensionable age for yerself will be 68, but for us old farts the changes are as per this article on pensions I just copied.

State Pension age will increase for both men and women from age 65 to 68 between 2024 and 2046.

I hope this is correct cos. mine is due in 5 years.

Don't worry, your retirement age has not changed, you will get your pension at 65.

--

To the OP.

You have stated that on hte basis of family history you expect to live into old age - The question then to ask is how are you going to finance yourself in this old age?

The advice 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket' comes to mind. So start now saving for retirement.

If you are in Thailand your best bet is probably to invest in the Stockmarket (but I'd not recommend the Thai Stock Market) - But also adding a UK state pension to these savings makes sense: UK State Pensions are extremely cheap in terms of investment v return. You need only 30 years of contributions to get your full state pension and here a point:

While you are living in Thailand you are entitled to pay NI contributions at reduced rate - This entitlement may change at a later date, so make use of it while you can.

Also of note: you are in your early 30s - Unless you are very unusual life has a few challenges ahead for you and you are probably going to change your ideas on what you want to do with your life as time passes. Thailand seems the place for you now, it may not be in the future - Thailand itself is changing, and may not be as welcoming in the future.

Lots of eggs in lots of baskets is an ideal way of protecting yourself against the consequences of life changes, and I think UK State Pensions are a very cheap and reliable basket.

--

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases - But this is under constant challenge and there is no reason to believe that as Pensioner numbers rise, the wishes of pensioners can still be ignored by the UK government.

UK State Pensions are at the heart of UK welfare provision, to get rid of them, as suggested above, would be political suicide.

[PattayaParent]

It's something I am considering myself now that the law has changed although I will not be able to pay the full 30 years contributions I should still get something back if I reach 65.

How did you get your prensions forecast?

[Lite Beer]

It's something I am considering myself now that the law has changed although I will not be able to pay the full 30 years contributions I should still get something back if I reach 65.

How did you get your prensions forecast?

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-...recast/home.asp

[benjamat]

Are you sure about required contributions being 30 years, it always used to be 42 years.

Maybe supply link.

Thanks.

[PattayaParent]

It's something I am considering myself now that the law has changed although I will not be able to pay the full 30 years contributions I should still get something back if I reach 65.

How did you get your prensions forecast?

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-...recast/home.asp

Thanks but I don't live in the UK.

Now what do I do?

[Lite Beer]

Are you sure about required contributions being 30 years, it always used to be 42 years.

Maybe supply link.

Thanks.

It is 30 years. Or it will be after 2010.

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensions-reform/home.asp

Edited September 18, 2008 by Lite Beer

[Lite Beer]

It's something I am considering myself now that the law has changed although I will not be able to pay the full 30 years contributions I should still get something back if I reach 65.

How did you get your prensions forecast?

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-...recast/home.asp

Thanks but I don't live in the UK.

Now what do I do?

Errrr. Lie?

There used to be a section on living abroad and applying.

May be they still updating the site with all the new changes.

Send them an E Mail and ask.

[phaethon]

Now what do I do?

Do you have anyone (family) in the UK you can trust? Use their address and they can email you pin to you.

[coventry]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

[chiang mai]

I think that for me, at age 58, the opportunity to pay thirteen years contributions at reduced rates with a guarantee of payback in eight years is an excellent move - it pays for itself in around one and a half years. I think for you at your age it is a complete folly.

[dumball]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK , by waiting to collect a further 5 years , they will pay you 50% extra whether you need it or not . Thousands of expats have been fighting this for years including myself , you need to have a registered residence in the UK and lie through your teeth to get what you are entitled to as a BRIT . Should you be married , the only way to collect for the wife is to go with her to England and they will pay for her for only 6 months after you leave the country .

Any one who knows how to claim full pension when living in Thailand i would be happy to hear about it .

[JetsetBkk]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

[Tafia]

Are you sure about required contributions being 30 years, it always used to be 42 years.

Maybe supply link.

Thanks.

It is 30 years. Or it will be after 2010.

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensions-reform/home.asp

It is 30yrs if you draw your state pension after 2010

[rixalex]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

Thanks JetSet for that information which confirms my understanding.

I too would be very interested to hear where you get your "facts" from Mr. Dumball. Please tell.

[Tafia]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

I believe there are a group attempting to get this overturned. When I raised it with my MP he said that no previous government had shown any interest in changing the rules and it was unlikely any future one would.

Their belief is that any increase we would get would not find its way back into the UK economy, despite the fact that we have paid for it.

I'm sure if they had their way they wouldn't pay us what they have to at the moment.

[Tafia]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

Thanks JetSet for that information which confirms my understanding.

I too would be very interested to hear where you get your "facts" from Mr. Dumball. Please tell.

The current pension for fully paid contributions is £90.70 per week As stated you can claim it anywhere in the world but will only attract increases if you live in the EU............ Not Thailand.

<a href="http://" target="_blank"></a>Can my UK pension be paid to me while I am in another country?

You can be paid a UK State Pension anywhere in the world, but you will only get annual increases if you live in any other EEA country, a country with which the UK has a social security agreement that allows increases, the Isle of Man or Sark.

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-pension/home.asp

Edited September 18, 2008 by Tafia

[Tafia]

It's something I am considering myself now that the law has changed although I will not be able to pay the full 30 years contributions I should still get something back if I reach 65.

How did you get your prensions forecast?

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-...recast/home.asp

Thanks but I don't live in the UK.

Now what do I do?

The Pension Service - State Pension - Basic State Pension

Errrr. Lie?

There used to be a section on living abroad and applying.

May be they still updating the site with all the new changes.

Send them an E Mail and ask.

[JetsetBkk]

I just enrolled in the "State Pension forecast e-service".

I went here http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/resour...rvices/home.asp and clicked on "Continue to the instant online pension forecast" and on the next page clicked on "Launch the State Pension forecast e-service".

On the next page clicked on "I have used this e-service before / I have received an Activation PIN", as I have already registered with the "Government gateway" when I used to do my on-line tax returns, so I didn't have to go through that step.

Then was taken to the login page of the forecast service, and entered the username and password that I have for my tax returns.

That took me to the registration page for the forecast service where I entered my NI number, postcode (mum's) and date of birth.

They will now send a PIN to my mum's address. They did the same thing when I registered for the online tax return service.

The last pension forecast I had - a few years ago - said I qualified for 90+% of the full pension and had 31 or 32 qualifying years. I was thinking of paying the extra approx. 350 GBP to get the missing year, but as they've reduced the number of years needed, I should now qualify for 100%.

I'll let you know what happens. Good topic.

But my advice is don't rely on getting anything from the govt. - I didn't when I planned to live here and always thought it would be a little extra fun money. But now I find myself rather looking forward to those payments.

[dumball]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

Thanks JetSet for that information which confirms my understanding.

I too would be very interested to hear where you get your "facts" from Mr. Dumball. Please tell.

Because i am living with it , how close can you get to the actual , living fact ????

[rixalex]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

Thanks JetSet for that information which confirms my understanding.

I too would be very interested to hear where you get your "facts" from Mr. Dumball. Please tell.

Because i am living with it , how close can you get to the actual , living fact ????

Well you seem to be the only one.

Just to make sure we understand you, what you are saying is that you are a UK pensioner (ie over 65 yrs old, assuming you are a man) who is entitled to a full government pension, ie about 100 pounds a week. You however left the UK and that means that you are now entitled to only a quarter of what you should be getting, ie 25 pounds a week???

If this is what you are saying, all i can say is that there must be something strange going on. I don't know of any pensioner who having left the UK has had their pension cut into a quarter. I don't anyone who would accept this either. Perhaps there's something you are not telling us about your situation that explains this.

[Tafia]

It is indeed correct that at this moment in time UK Pensioners in Thailand do not receive cost of living increases.

If I'm correct isn't this being challenged in the European Courts at the present time ?

The 100pounds per week desertexile mentioned is actualy 'Per month' if you live outside of the UK ...

Where do you get your "facts" from? Maybe your nickname says it all.

If you live in Thailand and some other countries ("non-uprated"), your pension won't rise each year as, hopefully, it will do for UK residents and UK pensioners in "uprated" countries.

This means that the pension you get on day one is what you will get for the rest of your life unless you go back to the UK (or another "uprated" country). But if you come back to Thailand, your pension will revert back to the original, day one level.

I believe the current full UK state pension is just under 100 GBP per week.

Hopefully the UK govt. will one day stop this unfair discrimination against pensioners in so-called "non-uprated" countries. There is no logic in it. They do it merely because they can. No other European govt. does it.

http://www.britishpensions.org.au/internat..._consortium.htm

Thanks JetSet for that information which confirms my understanding.

I too would be very interested to hear where you get your "facts" from Mr. Dumball. Please tell.

Because i am living with it , how close can you get to the actual , living fact ????

Well you seem to be the only one.

Just to make sure we understand you, what you are saying is that you are a UK pensioner (ie over 65 yrs old, assuming you are a man) who is entitled to a full government pension, ie about 100 pounds a week. You however left the UK and that means that you are now entitled to only a quarter of what you should be getting, ie 25 pounds a week???

If this is what you are saying, all i can say is that there must be something strange going on. I don't know of any pensioner who having left the UK has had their pension cut into a quarter. I don't anyone who would accept this either. Perhaps there's something you are not telling us about your situation that explains this.

I agree...

One possible answer is he hasn't paid the neccessary contributions that gives him 100%.

The rule is clear you get back what you paid in if you have only paid 25% contributions thats what you get back.

and in LOS what you get on week one is what you get for the rest of your life. No index linking of the state pension.

[kmart]

I just enrolled in the "State Pension forecast e-service".

I went here http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/resour...rvices/home.asp and clicked on "Continue to the instant online pension forecast" and on the next page clicked on "Launch the State Pension forecast e-service".

On the next page clicked on "I have used this e-service before / I have received an Activation PIN", as I have already registered with the "Government gateway" when I used to do my on-line tax returns, so I didn't have to go through that step.

Then was taken to the login page of the forecast service, and entered the username and password that I have for my tax returns.

That took me to the registration page for the forecast service where I entered my NI number, postcode (mum's) and date of birth.

They will now send a PIN to my mum's address. They did the same thing when I registered for the online tax return service.

The last pension forecast I had - a few years ago - said I qualified for 90+% of the full pension and had 31 or 32 qualifying years. I was thinking of paying the extra approx. 350 GBP to get the missing year, but as they've reduced the number of years needed, I should now qualify for 100%.

I'll let you know what happens. Good topic.

But my advice is don't rely on getting anything from the govt. - I didn't when I planned to live here and always thought it would be a little extra fun money. But now I find myself rather looking forward to those payments.

Thanks for that info.

[astral]

I am due for my UK pension in 3.5 years, when I reach 65.

Although I left in 1985 I have always made the voluntary payments

and I am told that I am now fully paid up, under the new 30 year rule.

The amount that I will get will top up my income just nicely.

The thing that does miff me, is not getting the yearly increments.

After all I am saving them money, as I will not be calling on the National Health Service.

[rixalex]

I am due for my UK pension in 3.5 years, when I reach 65.

Although I left in 1985 I have always made the voluntary payments

and I am told that I am now fully paid up, under the new 30 year rule.

The amount that I will get will top up my income just nicely.

The thing that does miff me, is not getting the yearly increments.

After all I am saving them money, as I will not be calling on the National Health Service.

I completely agree that in principle it isn't fair, but i would suggest that for all of us who won't get their pension until they reach 68, it's a bit of a mute point. I mean, unless we are lucky, we probably won't be receiving it for much more than ten years as death will see to that. And how much is it likely to go up in that space of time? Not enough to worry that much about i think.