DWP state pension query as man searches for important document | Personal Finance | Finance
A state pensioner reached out to HMRC with a query about a document he was looking for.
The man asked over X: “Probably the wrong department but I’m looking for proof of what my state pension I’m getting as I’m trying to possibly claim some travel expenses.
“I am unable to find my original letters as yet but I will keep looking. Can I get a copy of the letters or print off some proof?”
A representative responded to ask if he was trying to work out how much his state pension is and they also asked what the expenses were for.
The man said they were for “travelling to an out of town hospital”. He added: ” I know how much I get they are asking for proof, unable to find my original letters as the moment.”
HMRC then advised him to call 0800 731 0469 for any queries about the state pension.
This is the number for the Pension Service, which provides advice to people who are claiming their state pension.
The line is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
If you want to find out how much state pension you are on track to receive, you can find out using the state pension forecast tool on the Government website.
The full new state pension is currently £221.20 a week and you typically need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get the full amount.
If you have reached state pension age, you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions by calling the number above.
People can currently top up their contributions as far back as the 2006/2007 tax year, whereas usually you can only top up as far back as six years ago.
Individuals can top up over the extended period until April 2025. The rates for buying voluntary NI contributions for the 2024/2025 tax year are £17.45 a week for Class 3 contributions, or £907.40 for a full tax year.
The Government website explains: “If the gap in your National Insurance record was between 6 April 2016 and 5 April 2023, you’ll pay the rates that applied in the 2022 to 2023 tax year.”
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