NI Contributions & the state pension

[Bazile]

Some years ago the Government encouraged people to opt out of SERPS contributions and instead to have their NI payments diverted to a private pension .

The person I am asking these questions on behalf of , is not sure if she opted back into the scheme

Am i correct in saying that :-

1. This advice was reversed and that people were given the option to have their NI contributions paid into the SERPS scheme again ?

2. How can one find out about the state of play as regards to their past history and current situation regarding NI contributios AND the effect on their state pension - i.e shortfall in contributions and oppurtunity to make up that shortfall ; in order to receive the full state pension

3 What is the ' State Second Pension ( S2P) ?

Is there a government website or department that one can contact ?

Thanks

[buildersmate]

Most of what you want is here. You can ask these people for a pensions forecast, which at the same time establishes that your record and the States own record of one's contributions are aligned.
The S2P replaced SERPS about 5 years ago.
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/home.asp

[kempie]

1. Yes; especially beneficial for persons approaching pensionable age.

2. A pension forecast (but there is a reduced service to supply one until Autumn 2008).

3. From April 2002, State Second Pension reformed SERPS to provide a better additional State Pension for low and moderate earners, and to extend access to certain carers and long-term disabled people.

http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/

[Bazile]

Thank you , both


Happy X-mas