Jennifer asks:

Unfortunately I found myself having to retire almost five years ago due to ill health.  I am now aged 43 and have thus far have made 20 years’ National Insurance contributions.  I am unsure as to whether I have to continue contributing in terms of NI or if - due to the fact that I can no longer work - I may be exempt.  Does the state make up my shortfall at retirement?  What is the advantage - if necessary - of me making up the last five years of contributions?  Your assistance is overwhelmingly appreciated as I truly don’t know who to ask. 

If you are receiving an incapacity benefit or some other qualifying social security benefit from the state you will automatically be given National Insurance (NI) credits,  i.e. you will be treated as if you were actually paying NI so as to make the years involved ‘qualifying years’ for the purpose of the state pension.

You need only 30 qualifying years to get the full state pension and with 20 under your belt already you might, with the aid of the credits you would receive if you are on benefits, reach the level required without the need to contemplate paying any voluntary contributions.

Probably the best thing for you to do at this stage is to obtain a state pension forecast which will clarify the position. You can ask for a forecast by telephoning or writing to the following:

Future Pension Centre
The Pension Service
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE98 1BA

Telephone 0845 300 0168

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