gemini39

Does anyone have experience of claiming their UK state pension from abroad? The 26 page form asks for so much details (past UK addresses, employers etc) which I can no longer remember. As I have a complete National Insurance record and was born in the UK I cannot see all the detail is necessary.
Any advice would be most helpful. Thank you

scot47

Answer what you can Send with a covering letter.

gemini39

Many thanks - I'll try that.

MidAtlantic

Call them and see what they say. https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre
They are very helpful. I made my claim entirely by phone and never sent anything to them although, from other threads, that seems to have been unusual

BristolUK

Providing they agree you do have a complete record then there will be no problem. Perhaps you have already established this with a pension forecast. But you wouldn't be the first person to expect one thing and discover something else.

Just as an example, say there's a ten year period where they don't have any record of your NI. There could be any number of reasons - computer error, data input incorrectly, a dodgy employer deducting your NI but not paying it over, self employment and low income exemption that wasn't applied for or was applied for but somehow didn't get recorded....

In the event of such an issue, by answering the 'unnecessary' questions they may already have enough information to resolve any problems arising.

gemini39

I paid voluntary Class 3 NI contributions to ensure I had a 100% contribution record, and the Government Gateway website, which I access to deal with my UK tax, confirms that my full record is recorded. But you have made a very good point.

BristolUK

Working for them for over 30 years does that.

gemini39

If a single week's NI contribution is missed in a year, that year will not be a full year for NI purposes. This is a forum for British expats and people who travel may well miss contributions.