NHS pension, better self employed?

[truman]

Either ask the question of their union rep or pension administrator.

 

I would hate to think that your friend took the advice of some strangers on the internet then, when they retired, found out it was all wrong.

 

Best answer really..

[Skink]

thanks max - in the process of doing just that

 

to counter all the folks saying "its NI, end of . . ." that is *certainly* wrong for some people, possibly an awful lot of people who dont even realise they wont get a "full" state pension

 

I now know three folks with 35+ years of unbroken NI contributions (1 NHS, 1 public sector and 1 Private sector employee) and in every case their state pension estimate is substantially reduced - according to the DWP this is "because of COPAs" - which I believe is their jargon for contracted out pension agreements, which are all too common

[Calahonda]

thanks max - in the process of doing just that

 

to counter all the folks saying "its NI, end of . . ." that is *certainly* wrong for some people, possibly an awful lot of people who dont even realise they wont get a "full" state pension

 

I now know three folks with 35+ years of unbroken NI contributions (1 NHS, 1 public sector and 1 Private sector employee) and in every case their state pension estimate is substantially reduced - according to the DWP this is "because of COPAs" - which I believe is their jargon for contracted out pension agreements, which are all too common

 

Yes they have contracted out of one scheme and contracted into another, of course they will receive less in the former than someone who hasn’t contracted out. I suggest that you ask them how much they have accrued in contracted out benefits.

[max]

thanks max - in the process of doing just that

 

to counter all the folks saying "its NI, end of . . ." that is *certainly* wrong for some people, possibly an awful lot of people who dont even realise they wont get a "full" state pension

 

I now know three folks with 35+ years of unbroken NI contributions (1 NHS, 1 public sector and 1 Private sector employee) and in every case their state pension estimate is substantially reduced - according to the DWP this is "because of COPAs" - which I believe is their jargon for contracted out pension agreements, which are all too common

 

You're welcome.

 

Your friend can find out how much state pension they're due by registering on the government portal and following the links. A google of "How much pension will I get" will lead you there.