35 year query

Hello. I am due to start collecting my pension in May next year. I only have 33 years full contributions due to working and living abroad for periods of my life. I was under the impression it was a case of paying two years to fill the gap. I've been informed I need as I was opted out of serps in the 1980s before being opted back in some time later, I need to fill the missing gaps since my last full year of contributions which was 2015/16, in order to obtain anywhere near to the full pension quote on by YouGov account which is circa £203 per week. Is an admin able to confirm this is correct please?

Hi,

As you have been living and working abroad, you should read the leaflet NI38 which explains about paying for shortfalls in National Insurance whilst abroad. You can find this here:

Social Security abroad: NI38  

If you then decide you wish to find out your shortfall years, you should complete and send the CF83 application form and tick the box for shortfall years info.

If you are applying for Class2 shortfall advice, please include a covering letter with your periods of employment and, or, self employment abroad. Although HMRC can advise what years you may be able to pay for, we cannot confirm if these will benefit your pension forecast. You will need to contact Future Pension Centre to discuss which years, if any, will be beneficial to pay to increase your basic State Pension.  

Contact the Future Pension Centre

Thank you.