Q for those post military retirement:
Is there any truth in the rumour that when in receipt of state pension, your MoD pension is reduced by the same value and therefore on paper you are receiving a state pension when in reality there is no increase in a joint MoD+State pension?
I ask because:
I went online for a state pension forecast yesterday and am told by HMRC that my maximum state pension is £155.65pw (£676.80 pm £8,121.59pa)
But as things stand, I will get £119.30pw - unless I make voluntary contributions to National Insurance between now and 2025, including about £750 'arrears' that I did not pay in FY2015/16.
It would appear that if you believe that longevity is a given, then topping up your NI (for which I/you have no obligation) could be worthwhile. Short term pain v long term gain.
In summary it appears that NI is expected up to your 66th birthday and if you do not contribute post retirement then you will get less - Not that it matters if the rumour in line 1 is true.