Correct State Pension ??

[Dinger2]

I hope I have chose the most appropriate topic. I have just received a letter from the D.W.P informing me I am soon to reach the age of 65 and will be in receipt of my state O.A.P from my birthday of 28/5/1950.Iu nderstand I will be one of the last few thousand in my age group to be considered an OAP at 65.I was fortunate to have been able and fit enough to have been in almost constant employment for 43 yrs 1965- 2008 (retd from Royal Mail under E.V.R after 20yrs)
I paid in Full N.H.I. contributions the whole 43 yrs and was told by RMs pensions dept that when the time comes (it now has) to receive my state pension all that is required for the Maximum state pension is 30 years worth of contributions so therefore I paid 13 long years over the top !which must surely entitle me to the max pension.Is there any A.B.er pension expert out there who can tell me exactly what the max is in my circumstances? I completed the online questionaire and they have given me a figure but it seems a bit low-field, It is only about £7 more than the minimum (must be wrong?) Also and I won't mind you laughing!-is there ANY way (and if so how?)of me clawing back my 13yrs of overpayment?? grateful for any answers.

[Jackdaw33]

I'm afraid you can't opt out of paying NI if you are in paid employment until you reach 65. I have 43 years. Were you at any time contracted out of SERPS?

[boxtops]

No, you can't have it back. I too paid in for more than my alloted years, I couldn't help it, I was in paid work. This explains the new rules a bit http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-2634215/Why-millions-WONT-155-new-state-pension-theyre-expecting.html

[Peter Pedant]

If they [DWP ] have got the right number of years of contribution
( 43) then you will get the right pension as it seems to only depend on that

Did the RM have a separate pensions scheme ? it looks as tho they and you did. You might even be in Section A lucky fellow- yes you are : I have re read your post - you started 1965

[ or section B - and that means you almost certainly 'opted out' so wont get SERPS - but will still be much better off ( a winner in fact in the pension stakes ) than others]

and no you cant claim NICs back - it is a tax by the way and not a sole contribution to OAPdom

I notice your contribution were 6% of wages so really you have a phenomenally good deal - but that doesnt prevent us OAPs from wanting more does it ?

[Jackdaw33]

It is a mathematical maze. The basic state pension based on 30 years contributions is some £113 p.w. Mine has just been increased to £139 p.w. Half of my working life I was contracted out and the other half not, so I just have to accept what the DWP say as gospel.

[Jackdaw33]

...also I note that from next year the minimum number of contributions to qualify for full pension is to be raised from 30 to 35 years.

[Sipowicz]

If you were "contracted out" you should receive a "guaranteed minimum pension" from your Royal Mail pension, payable when you reach state pension age.

[Dinger2]

Thanks to all respondents especially Peter Pedant,now you have assured me I am getting a good deal I would happily squander some of it away in your favourite pub and buy you several pints ! Cheers and good health to you !