Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 2:09 am
Well, it took about 5 months to get my initial application processed. I just hope the payment is applied before the contributions go up in April...
RetireJapan
Personal Finance for Residents of Japan
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UK State Pension newbie
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Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 2:31 am
Well, it didn't. For months. Then I called them and they said something like 'oh, we received your payment but we didn't know what it was for so we haven't done anything with it'fools_gold wrote: ↑Wed Jan 05, 2022 1:22 am How did the money show up on your Government Gateway Account?
So I would recommend letting them know what it is.
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 8:56 am
In a most timely fashion, I got a letter from HMRC today. I never thought I would be excited to get mail from them, but anyway
It was a confirmation that the payments I made in August have been correctly allocated to my account/NI number.
Since I cannot check this on the Gateway site, I just called DWP to ask for an updated forecast. So in a few weeks I should finally have 'proof' that I am about 50% paid up for my state pension...
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:56 am
Thanks. I gave them a call yesterday. The confirmed the money had been received and I let them know it was for Class 2 NICs. I popped a letter in the post today just to be on the safe side.RetireJapan wrote: ↑Wed Jan 05, 2022 2:31 am Well, it didn't. For months. Then I called them and they said something like 'oh, we received your payment but we didn't know what it was for so we haven't done anything with it'
So I would recommend letting them know what it is.
Great! Another 5 months to waitbeanhead wrote: ↑Wed Jan 05, 2022 8:56 am In a most timely fashion, I got a letter from HMRC today. I never thought I would be excited to get mail from them, but anyway
It was a confirmation that the payments I made in August have been correctly allocated to my account/NI number.
Since I cannot check this on the Gateway site, I just called DWP to ask for an updated forecast. So in a few weeks I should finally have 'proof' that I am about 50% paid up for my state pension...
My time line so far is...
Posted application in early July.
Got a reply in mid December.
Paid my shortfall on 21st December.
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2022 6:53 am
Relatively smooth sailing so far!!fools_gold wrote: ↑Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:56 am
Great! Another 5 months to wait
My time line so far is...
Posted application in early July.
Got a reply in mid December.
Paid my shortfall on 21st December.
i still can't believe that I am excited to get letters from the UK government about pension payments, but anyway...
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 8:40 am
Thanks to all those who helped with information about voluntary contributions.
My friends at DWP sent me the letter which confirmed that I am now eligible for almost 50% of the UK state pension.
Now, 18 more years to contribute to get to 35 and then live a few more years beyond...!!
My friends at DWP sent me the letter which confirmed that I am now eligible for almost 50% of the UK state pension.
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:48 pm
Thanks to this helpful forum I also just got accepted to make class 2 contributions! 
The letter from DWP lists the 11 backpay years I can pay for. All at class 2 rate @£3.05 a week
It gives two dates, one is 'payment date without penalty' and the other is 'final time limit.'
I'm just curious if anyone has experience with the 'penalty' being applied to years you can backpay, e.g. If I can't manage to backpay all the years by the first date given (which is really soon
!) what will happen? How much might the 'penalty' add to my bill?
The letter from DWP lists the 11 backpay years I can pay for. All at class 2 rate @£3.05 a weekIt gives two dates, one is 'payment date without penalty' and the other is 'final time limit.'
I'm just curious if anyone has experience with the 'penalty' being applied to years you can backpay, e.g. If I can't manage to backpay all the years by the first date given (which is really soon
!) what will happen? How much might the 'penalty' add to my bill?Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2022 5:56 pm
I found out there is a feedback form. Might be a good place for people who aren't able to register to complain. Not sure if it goes anywhere though...
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/feedback/TYF
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/feedback/TYF
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:39 am
Pay back what you can. There is no obligation to back pay.Whiterose wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:48 pm Thanks to this helpful forum I also just got accepted to make class 2 contributions!
It gives two dates, one is 'payment date without penalty' and the other is 'final time limit.'
I'm just curious if anyone has experience with the 'penalty' being applied to years you can backpay, e.g. If I can't manage to backpay all the years by the first date given (which is really soon
Depending on your age, you may be able to get to the 35 years anyway, without making full payments of those 11 years. It may cost you a few quid extra to pay in at current / future rates than that rate of £3.05 per week. The difference will be minimal, in the grand scheme of things.
Re: UK State Pension newbie
Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2022 8:10 am
I think the risk of future governments eliminating voluntary payments from abroad tips the scales in favour of backpaying while you can. Then all you need to do is remember to cancel your payments once you reach full eligibility.beanhead wrote: ↑Sat Feb 12, 2022 7:39 am Depending on your age, you may be able to get to the 35 years anyway, without making full payments of those 11 years. It may cost you a few quid extra to pay in at current / future rates than that rate of £3.05 per week. The difference will be minimal, in the grand scheme of things.