how many years N I contributions doyou need to qualify for the state pension

[ruthann58]

as above

[Buenchico]

For those reaching state pension age before 6 April 2010:
39 years contributions for women, 44 years for men.

For those reaching state pension age from 6 April 2010 onwards:
30 years for everyone.

State pension age is currently 60 for women and 65 for men but will eventually rise to 68 for everyone. See here to calculate your state pension age:
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensions-r eform/calculator.asp

Further information on state pensions:
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-pens ion/home.asp

Chris

[buildersmate]

That's the Basic State Pension of course. There are various add-ons for those not in a company or private pension scheme. These add-ons are earnings related.

[sukkie]

I have a question, what happens if you have not worked for the required 30 years? Are you then forced to retire with nothing, no money to live on at all?

[TCL-MUMPING]

The above figures relate to the number of years needed for the full pension. At present, if you reach pension age before 6.4.2010 and you have paid fewer years you will get a percentage of the full amount as long as it is at least 25%.

If you are pension age on or after 6.4.2010 you will need only thirty years' contributions to get the full amount. If you don't have the thirty years, you will get 1/30th of the full amount for each year you do have.

[CovKid]

Beware. The NI jobsworths write to people asking if they would like to top up their contributions for any missing years even when they have enough to receive full state pension. They are asking "would you like to give us some money for nothing?".

[TCL-MUMPING]

Really? What about self-employed folk who would qualify for other benefits IF they paid NI Contributions?