Understanding my national insurance record and pension forecast

I have stopped working and I am trying to work out how many years of voluntary NI I should pay to ensure a full pension. At the top of my NI record it states that I have 32 years of full contributions and 8 years when I didn't contribute enough. I understand you need 35 years of full contributions to get the full pension. My forecast weekly pension of £142.87 appears to have been calculated using 27/35 x £185.15. I don't understand this if I have 32 years of of full contritions?...why not 32/35x185.15. I am unclear, therefore, if I need to voluntarily pay 8 years or 3? Can anyone help me understand? Thank you.

Would it please be possible for HMRC to provide an answer to this? I cannot get through on the suggested telephone number for NI queries.

You will need to speak to the Future Pensions Centre to talk you you through your pension forecast and which, if any, of the 8 years could improve your forecast. Users cannot post links, so you will have to either find a link posted by HMRC or search for "pension forecast"

Hi barney,

HMRC do not calculate your state pension entitlement. The new state pension was introduced in April 2016 and the calculation used maybe different up to that date.

You can call them on 0800 731 0175 they are open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00.

Thanks