How many years National Insurance does my wife need to have paid to qualify for a full state pension?

Question

She worked full time for 10 years. She spent 21 years raising 2 children. She now works 1 day a week and pays voluntary contributions as someone told her that was necessary to maximise her entitlement. I have worked in full time employment for 34 years and paid full stamp all that time. Is she paying voluntary payments unnecessarily as she will qualify for a payment as my wife (at age 60) or because I have heard that the rules are likely to change in 2010 anyway. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

On 25 May 2006,the Government published a White Paper "Security in retirement": towards a new pension system (Cm 6841) The White Paper includes a proposal to reduce the number of years needed to qualify for a full basic State Pension to 30 years for both men and women reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010 ( at the moment women need between 39 years and 44 years and men 44 years). For this to happen, the law needs to be changed.

Following publication of the White Paper,the Government intends to legistate for pension reform as soon as Parliamentary time allowes and will publish any changes.

For more information on the White Paper proposals visit www.dwp.gov.uk/pensionsreform

Answer 2

The best thing to do is to get a pension forecast. This can be done online according to the link given below or you can download form BR19 to complete and post off.

You have the option to ask for the effects of eg ceasing voluntary contributions so you will be able to confirm whether she should continue to pay.

Answer 3

I believe you have to have been claiming for 42 years to qualify for full state pension. If she was claiming benefits while she was off I think they would have been contributing on her behalf. She needs to contact. She needs to contact HM Customs and Revenue and they will advise if she has any outstanding years. they wont demand payment they simply advise it is in your best interest to have paid in full.

Answer 4

i think of it works out approximately £a million.50 a week you get for a whole years pay so in case you artwork 50 years you get finished pension approximately £80 a week , my figures must be little bit of yhe mark yet thats the way it works

Answer 5

i believe she needs to pay 40 years for a woman. 44 for a man.but not 100% sure.

Answer 6

Not too sure but check out the link below....they say it depends on how much is contributed...