Joanne Parish

Hi there. My friend reached state pension age on 9 March 2023 and the letter from DWP says that she had 45 State Pension qualifying years. She is not receiving the full amount of state pension as HMRC have indicated that she can pay for an additional 3 years to receive the maximum amount of State pension. I have calculated that if she pays the 3 years additional contributions - totalling £2,420.60 she should receive the full amount of the state pension but before she pays it I just want it clarified that the full amount will then be received. 2nd question though - can you please advise as to why if she had 45 State Pension qualifying years she isn't entitled to the full state pension now before paying the voluntary contributions for the 3 additional years. The deficient years are 2017-2018 through to 2020-2021. She stopped working on 7th November 2016. Many thanks for your help