Eileen Croucher

Thank you for your reply. I contacted Future Pensions and got very useful advice. I didn't think I could get the full pension because when I was working I was contracted out. However, they explained that as the law changed in 2016 if I pay 8 years NI contributions I can increase my pension to the full amount.

I have checked my forecast, hence the questions.

Hi, I moved abroad in 2005 and paid class 3 voluntary contributions until mid 2008. I was informed that as I had more than 30 years contributions I should stop paying and I received a refund for the contributions made in year 2008-2009. Since then, the number of years contributions required to receive the maximum state pension has increased to 35 and therefore I am short by 3 years now. My pension is due to be paid in 2028, if I pay voluntary contributions for 3 years can I increase the amount I receive? Does it matter which 3 years, that is, could it be past years or will I have to start paying contributions now? Many thanks