The Student Room Group

National Insurance contributions when in uni

What happens about your National Insurance contributions towards state pension when in full-time education at university?

I presume being in full-time education at uni simply means you miss out on 3/4 years of contributions? :confused:
Reply 1
My understanding of the system is:

Unless you're earning £5,044 (as an employee) or £5,075 (self employed) then you'll not be counted as having completed a "qualifying year" towards your state pension. You will need to have accumulated 30 qualifying years before you retire in order to be eligible for a state pension.

So yes, you'll miss out on 3/4 years worth of contributions. But the fact you only need to total 30 years of contributions, should give you plenty of time to catch up - assuming you work until normal retirement age.
Reply 2
It's now 35 years contributions to get full pension. You can make voluntary contributions for years up to 6 years ago, so it may be worth doing this once you're earning, especially if you're a mature student with gaps in your NI record.
If you're worried about it, make voluntary contributions. Even if you graduate at 30 and start work, you'll have plenty of time.

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