state pension

[vmlcyprus]

Looking to move to Cyprus, does anybody know what happens to our state pension, having paid national insurance for 25 years, if we move to Cyprus, do we get any when we reach 65 or can we still contribute whilst in Cyprus.
Alan

[jeffrey Streets]

Alan,

I may be able to help on this as I work overseas and and have just purchased an apartment in Cyprus which I intend to use when i retire in 10 years time. I am in recepit of a military pension which works on the same principles as retirement pension (goverment paid)

1) you can pay NI contribution by Direct Debit each month from your UK bank (very easy to set up on -line)
2) you can have you pension paid into your bank account
3) Your pension is classed as UK source so therefore you need to complete a tax self assessment each year and if you are under the threshold limit for a single or married couple you will be able to claim the tax back. This is what I do with my Military pension as I am classed as non-resident in the UK.

Hope this helps

[JCR]

My understanding is that you need 30 years contributions to get a full pension ( just changed from 40 years Female and 45 male!) You will get a pro-rata payment . We contacted our local NI office in Newcastle who sent us a forecast very quickly> Jim

[Ken of Kiti]

If you phone Pensions enquiries on 0845 3000 168 and quote your name and NI number they will give you your answer imediately as to whether you are paid up fully for to receive State Pension or not.

Ken