RAF shortage of NI for full state pension

I have checked my online state pension calculation on the Gateway page, it does state that I have a forecast to receive the full state pension with the contributions made so far. However, I am led to believe that during my 23 years service in the RAF (1989 - 2012) I may have been "opted out" for one reason or another and that my NI contributions were not enough to obtain a full state pension in 2039. How can I get an accurate confirmation of my actual status and if there is a shortfall, what can I do about it? Many thanks

Hi,
The new state pension was introduced on 6 April 2016, the main changes where the increase of the number of qualifying years a person needed from 30 years to 35 years.  
The D rate category of NICs (contracted out) was also abolished from this date.  Any contracted out pension deductions prior to this were no longer deemed like for like with A rate contributions.
This would mean anyone who contracted out paid a lower rate of NICs  as they also paid into a company pension. Meaning this may increase the number of qualifying years need to obtain a full UK State Pension entitlement would exceed 35 years.
If your circumstances mean you are no longer going to obtain a full state pension you should contact the DWP for a pension forecast which should also include any Contracted out Pension Equivalent (COPE) amount that may be included in your calculations.
HMRC do not calculate your state pension entitlement more information can be found on the www.gov.uk
Thank you.