Sorry if this is in the wrong forum but it is a request to the old and bold.

Firstly, I know you pay tax but do you pay National Insurance contributions on your army pension?

Also, my mate finishes his 22 in October and his brother has convinced him that he shouldn't commute because he will be better off if he doesn't. I've always been told that you are better off commuting but don't know why other than your spouse gets to keep the lump sum if you die. Can anybody tell me why because I will be doing this next year.

No, you don't pay National Insurance on your pension. NI only applies to "earned income". There are different rates depending on whether you are employed or self-employed and you don't have to pay it at all from state pension age.

Get advice specific to your circumstances on commutation. I didn't commute and don't regret it. Be careful about any responses you get here!!

you dont pay national insurance contributions on your army pension.
to commute or not to commute! all evens out in the end, if you were to take a bigger tax free lump sum and a smaller monthly pension and then add up all the taxed monthly amounts until youre 55 and then add the difference between the smaller lump sum you would have had and the larger lump sum that you took, it will more or less add up to the same as taking the smaller lump sum and the larger monthly payments that are taxed over the same period. you dont beat the tax man by taking a larger lump sum, the lump sum just looks nicer in your bank! all depends on if you want or need the cash now.

I commuted the full amount that I could because I wanted the cash in the bank for when I needed it, 4 years later and I havent spent it yet but its there in case I want it. just remember that your monthly pension will take up your full tax free allowance and that you will be taxed on every penny that you earn in your new job.

Thanks for your replies - that's good news and makes me about £70 a month better off.

I will get advice on commutation as I will be just short of 29 years served and nearly 47 when I get made redundant next year so not a normal retirement age.

You are exempt National Insurance at age 65, if you continue working you will not pay any N.I..

Get in touch with a reputable accredited financial adviser.

Each person's individual financial circumstances are different. If you have debts/mortgage to pay off, a lump sum may be the way to go. If not, at present cash in the bank is losing money with regard to the inflation/interest ratio. A regular higher pension income may be the better bet.

Also, get a crystal ball. If you plan to die five years down the line, go for a lump sum and piss it up the wall.

Originally Posted by Filbert Fox

just remember that your monthly pension will take up your full tax free allowance and that you will be taxed on every penny that you earn in your new job.

Unless you're out of the country long enough doing maritime or CP work in sandy places. Fuck the tax man the robbing cunts.

Originally Posted by Fallschirmjager

Unless you're out of the country long enough doing maritime or CP work in sandy places. Fuck the tax man the robbing cunts.

Amen

Regarding the previous answers on lump sums and income. I opted for full pension simply because I wanted a guarenteed income and could plan accordingly. The Memsahib had to buy an annuity from her job and that's a different ball game. In her case we opted for maximum in cash - up to 25% of her pot, then the rest for her only on a fixed rate, no increase for inflation, because if I pop my clogs she gets half anyway and will be OK. On the other hand, we didn't have minkies to worry about and have paid our mortgage so could afford not to have the lump sum. As stated above, do what fits YOUR personal circumstances. Also for those under 65 who are lucky not to need to sign on and are financially stable, DO NOT pay any more NI than 30 years as that's all you need for your State pension, which they take a lump from your other pension at 65 to pay for anyway!

I am in discusions at the moment with the DWP over my NI contributions.

I am ex army and ex HMP with over 30 years NI contributions.

I am receiving a Civil Service ill health pension (army time plus HMP service). (I am not receiving any benefits or other income).

I have been advised I do not need to pay any more NI contributions for a old age pension at 66 ish.

Please can any Pay Bods etc confirm if this info is correct as I do not wish to be stung at a later date.