Check that you will be entitled to a full pension on retirement. Do you have enough qualifying years? If not, you may receive a reduced pension or none at all. Find out by completing form BR19 obtainable from your local benefits agency or available through the Internet. If there are gaps in your contribution record, ask about making late or voluntary payments.
Credits may be given to people who cannot work regularly because they have to look after a sick or disabled person, or children. You can also choose to defer drawing a pension for a period of 5 years in order to earn extra pension.