Government Block

April 30th, 2008

Under the new Pensions Act, men and women reaching state pension age on or after April 6, 2010 will be entitled to a full basic state pension when they have paid National Insurance contributions for 30 years (currently 39 years for women and 44 for men).

If you are affected by the new rules and wish to obtain a written state pension forecast to confirm your position your request will be blocked! This is because the government computers used to produce these forecasts are currently in the process of being updated to reflect the change. It is anticipated that you will not be able to get a written forecast for at least a year. However, you can ask for verbal confirmation of your current total of years, which should be supplied as long as you can quote your National Insurance number. Written pension forecasts for those reaching state pension age before April 6, 2010 are still available in the usual way. Ring 0845 3000 168 for more information.

Those seeking a refund of any voluntary National Insurance contributions paid unnecessarily since 25 may 2006 (the earliest date from which the government will give refunds) should write to HM Revenue and Customs, nICo, Benton Park View, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE98 1ZZ or ring 08459 155 996.

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