The full state pension is a joke. I receive it due to 45+ years NI contributions. However someone who hasn't worked a day in their life gets a flat rate pension but is entitled to pension credits, free council tax AND any government help. I am not entitled. How the hell is this fair? It's like I'm being punished for working all my life, while some lazy tosser gets all the benefits. This country does not look after it's senior citizens and the pension is way behind other European countries.

I have 44 years but HMRC says I need 46 year as I opted out. I have been told that I paid less NI contributions during this time. Those who were advised to do so by the GVT were later opted back in. I was also told by HMRC that I couldn't pay 2010 or 2011 shortfall but you can pay missing contributions back to 3016. Even HMRC are giving the wrong advice. Disgusting.

Government Gateway site is a farce. Still trying to access my records after 2 hours of going round in circles.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953 You have until 31 July 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between tax years April 2006 and April 2016 if you’re eligible. Seems the date has been expanded according to gov website.

Thank you

Thanks

Which of these tips will you be using to check whether you are owed NI credits?

They expanded it to July 2023 now

So is that 6 years including the current tax year? So effectively only back to and including the years 2016/17?