Hey Guys

Cant seem to see a thread here for this and have searched. When we leave the UK, I know we feel out P85 's for the tax office. Do we also have to notify the DSS Pensions department(is that what they are call?).

Also I am aware my NIC are not up to date - so as it stands I won't be entitled to a full UK pension on retirement. Thinking I should pay them all up before I leave UK - only fear is, what may happen to the UK pension fund over the next 20 years.

Thanks in advance as always.

Rob

Look out for the conditions for the new flat-rate pension (goes before the UK cabinet on Jan 14 2013). It is possible that we might get the full flat-rate pension without a full 30-year contribution history, if you believe what's in The Guardian today (12 jan): it says that the flat rate pension is paid "regardless of the scale of their lifetime national insurance contributions". I'll believe it when I see it (in 8 years time!).

and it won't apply to people who have already retired..

I'm certain there will be some sort of qualifying period otherwise we would have a huge load of 'retirement' immigrants coming into the UK, and as this is 'supposed' to be a money saving idea that just can't happen.

Sure - it will have many loopholes.

Do we need to let anyone know that we are moving to Canada apart from filling out a p85.

R

You can make voluntary NI contributions: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pdfs/nico/ni38.pdf If you're working they're class 2, the application form is at the back of that pamphlet. Costs very little, about £150 a year collected monthly by direct debit.

In addition to the P85 you should file an R105 with any banks you deal with in the UK to stop them withholding income taxes from any interest you are paid.

If you've got less than 10 years you get nothing.

10 years continious or just in your working life?

R

I interpreted what they said on BBC news as 10 years in total rather than 10 years continuous. I haven't looked any further into this though because I'm assuming that by the time I retire the UK state pension will be either gone or worthless.

Before they moved to the 30 year qualification you used to need 12 years of contributions (not necessarily consecutive) to qualify for a 1/4 pension. 11 years and you got nothing. I assume Alan2005 is correct.

It is going to be 35yrs for a full pension, which sucks for me as I had 30yrs for a full pension. Will have to wait and see what crumbs will be offered.

Same here - 30 years in and thought I had done it!!

That's how I read it too.

The "everyone gets the same pension regardless of what you've paid in" means the earnings related bit I think (SERPS?) - so everyone who has paid 35 years in gets the same pension - regardless of how much NI was paid in those years (but you still have to have satisfied 35 years - with a minimum of 10 years). Pro rata if between 10 and 34 years.

Pay as you go State pensions are unlikely to survive.

I have 9 years paid in. I am wondering is it worth putting in an additional year to get my 10/35 when the day comes round.....?