UK State Pension newbie

[Bushiman]

Is it possible to submit these forms online?!

Not that I know of... Although things may have changed now...
I went through this whole process back in late 2018, so everything was through the post -except for all the phone calls... And there were a lot of phone calls trying to find out what was going on, had my documents arrived, was my application being processed etc. It did take a long time for anything to be processed and updated on the website; something like a good 3 months...
Hang in there!

[Wales4rugbyWC23]

Recently,I have paid for the three absent years for Class 3 NI payments, in the same letter I applied for monthly payments to be done by direct debit. They have cashed my cheque for the three years, but they still have not taken a monthly direct debit. Does anyone know how long it takes to set up?and on what date do HMRC take the money out of your bank account?

[adamu]

Is it possible to submit these forms online?!

I've also seen that but I'm not aware of it actually being used properly. It never worked for me, anyway.

Does anyone know how long it takes to set up?and on what date do HMRC take the money out of your bank account?

No.

But less frivolously, you might have to call them to confirm what's going on. Others here have reported problems with the direct debits. I always do the annual bank transfer so I'm in control of the money. Thankfully they've never failed to credit my payments so far...

[RetireJapan]

They have cashed my cheque for the three years, but they still have not taken a monthly direct debit. Does anyone know how long it takes to set up?and on what date do HMRC take the money out of your bank account?

I had a big problem with something similar. I managed to get the direct debit going, then sent them a lump sum for backpayments, which caused them to stop the direct debit for some reason.

Took me almost two years to sort it out, as I wasn't able to talk to anyone who could help me over dozens of phone calls. In the end they just suggested resubmitting the form, which seems to have worked

[Wales4rugbyWC23]

They have cashed my cheque for the three years, but they still have not taken a monthly direct debit. Does anyone know how long it takes to set up?and on what date do HMRC take the money out of your bank account?

I had a big problem with something similar. I managed to get the direct debit going, then sent them a lump sum for backpayments, which caused them to stop the direct debit for some reason.

Took me almost two years to sort it out, as I wasn't able to talk to anyone who could help me over dozens of phone calls. In the end they just suggested resubmitting the form, which seems to have worked

I remember you saying something earlier about it, so I made sure I paid my absent years, although I put the direct debit application form in the same envelope as my 3 year NICs cheque- This has obviously confused them. I'm happy to still pay them yearly by a cheque, but was hoping that I could automate it and then forget about it.

[Bubblegun]

I think I’ve just payed the full 35 years UK pension. Class 2. Anyway is there any benefit at all to paying more? Because only their website we can see a line. It looks as though technically I haven’t payed enough, but 35 years in the minimum to get the UK full pension.
Is this possibly a slight of hand, to make it look as though I haven’t payed enough. Eg the line isn’t related to pension...... but is more related to “age”?

I am thinking that with the looming financial crisis coming.... I believe the Previous UK chancellor Actually considered stopping class 2 contributions. I’m taking a guess here but Im wondering if expat pensions/payment Will be looked at again. If we have to catch up, better to catch up before the rules are changed.....again.

[Beaglehound]

As it stands, there is no benefit to you paying more. The number of qualifying years may change in future but there should be enough notice given that you could backpay a few years in that eventuality. The mooted abolition of class 2s was more to do with ‘simplifying’ the system for U.K. self employed by charging higher class 4 rates, not aimed at expats as such. Not to say they won’t change the rules for expats though, as a class 2 payer even I think it would be fairer to pay class 3.

Not sure exactly what you mean about the website but from memory I think it shows the years you have left until retirement without taking into account that you have the necessary qualifying years already.

Bottom line is pay nothing more and pray the system survives (-:

[Spa06Jc]

Hi all,

Quick update from me - I received a letter on Thursday asking me to complete the 'Application to Pay' form at the back of the 'Social Security Abroad' NI38 leaflet. No mention of the content of my appeals letter, and the NI38 leaflet form is the one I initially used almost two years ago which was rejected, but at least it was a quick response with a call to action. I also get the impression having read other posts that their remedy for any issues is to have forms resubmitted, so will try this again.

I'm tempted to send two completed forms, one for Class 2 and one for Class 3 should they not approve me for Class 2.

Will send this week (with a cover letter and some details I have previously sent on request) and will update when I hear anything.

[Bushiman]

I'm tempted to send two completed forms, one for Class 2 and one for Class 3 should they not approve me for Class 2.

Just send for Class 2 only, if that gets rejected they should offer Class 3 instead...

[Wales4rugbyWC23]

I'm tempted to send two completed forms, one for Class 2 and one for Class 3 should they not approve me for Class 2.

Just send for Class 2 only, if that gets rejected they should offer Class 3 instead...

I wouldn't send two completed forms at the same time to the HMRC that would really confuse them. I sent three years back payments and a direct debit form for monthly payments in the same envelope and four months down the road I am still waiting for my direct debit to be set up. They didn't have any problem cashing in my cheque though.