Frequently Asked Questions

I understand there are changes to the number of contributions that need be made to qualify for a full UK State Pension?

The Government has proposed the reduction of the number of contribution years needed to qualify for a basic State Pension. Currently 39 years contributions are required for women, and 44 for men. It is proposed that the contributions required will be reduced to 30 years for both men and women who retire after 6th April 2010. From this date the retirement age for women will gradually be increased so by 5th April 2020 the retirement age will be equalised for men and women at age 65. This does not effect women born on or before 5th April 1950. It is expected the proposals will become law in summer 2007.

If you are making voluntary Class 2/3 contributions you may already have qualified and should not make further contributions. Once you have paid the contributions you might not be able to get a refund if it turns out you need not have paid them. However, if you delay paying contributions-if they are required to qualify for a full State Pension, you may have to pay them at a slightly higher rate.

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