My wife thinks she opted out of the state pension 20 years ago.?

Question

With phoneix insurance but when she recently asked about it,they just keep sending letters saying her total pension will be £21 a year.

How can we find out if she has been automaticlly reinstated to the state pension,as no payments have been made to phonix for at least 17 years

Answer 1

If she phones up the Dept of works and pensions and gives them her National Insurance no, they will tell her all she needs to know. I have found them very helpful.

Answer 2

The only way is to call them and ask them.  Also ask them for any papers, contracts, and related materials to find out what is available.  

Answer 3

Call the citizens advice bureau....NOW....or even better go to your nearest on and walk in..they will make you an appointment with a specialist advisor...all free.....look online for your nearest or ask at the library.....they are excellent. I say you should walk in because when you ring on the phone they are always busy and it's hard to get through...but walk in (check opening times 1st) and they make you an appointment.

Answer 4

If your wife hasn't paid enough contributions to her old age pension by the government she can claim it on your contribution, phone the tax office and ask them. Phoenix is a private pension it was Britannia Assurance and at the end of the tax year so much of her NI contributions go towards a private pension (partner has it)

Answer 5

Your wife can also contact the Pensions Service and ask for a forecast of her state pension. Follow this link: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/ and select 'state pension forecast' mid way down the left hand side of the page

Answer 6

Well if she  , and her company  paid into the state pension fund  prior to her opting out  a certain amount of credit would have accrued , Did she pay into a Phoenix company pension? Also after Phoenix,  what did she do?  Did she register as unemployed perhaps as that would mean automatic credits to the NHI scheme.   Cant be much though at only £21 a year   can it   ,,,   Is the advice from Phoenix or  the state pension service..  Phoenix would not usually advise about state pension