N.i. Conributions

[barney4444]

Hi. Due to a disablement I have had to leave my job as a driver, not well enough to work at the moment but I do receive a pension from which I pay no tax or national insurance.
I am concerned that not making N.I contributions will reduce my state pension which I should begin receiving in 5 years time.
Will be grateful for any information.

[EDDIE51]

Yes it is very confusing, but few of us will be in the position of not having an NI record from before April 2016 . (My NI record started in 1968)
So it is 30 qualifying years for the vast majority of us, 35 years if you only started paying NI from April 2016.

[New Judge]

Glad that's sorted out. Wish I'd never mentioned it!

[ubasses]

This article is a good read and explains a lot because things are not straightforward if you have worked for a Company that was 'contracted out' because you paid lower NI. People in this position, if retiring in the earlier years, may find that although they have paid NI for 35 yrs they do not all qualify for the full higher rate.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/state-pensions#howmuch

[fiction-factory]

Eddie- I think you mustn't have spotted the bit near the start of your link that says "You must claim the new State Pension if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016." The new state pension (which applies to claimants now and future claimants such as barney) has different terms including a 35 year requirement.
I'm not sure why the gov.uk site for teh old sceme still includes the eligibility bit as presumably all those eligible are already getting it, but perhaps it's to explain to some pensioners who retired before April 2016 why thet didn't qualify for the pension based on the NI rules

[fiction-factory]

^ Ah- didn't spot the second page of answers. I think it's now clear but perhaps the point still helps about the overlooked caveat "You must claim the new State Pension if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.". I do think it could be made a bit clearer though by the gov.uk site