Productive

Monday 29th June

It needs washing and blocking

It's been a productive day. This morning I returned 2 books to the library, picked up 2 more and used the computer and printing facilities as I don't have either at home.

I'm short of 6 years' contributions in order to receive a full state pension in 2032. I've known for years that I was short, since the goalposts for contributions were moved, but didn't have money spare to buy the years... it would cost approximately £900 for each missing one.

I have been looking after our little one for 3+ years though ( 3 complete tax years +) so today I finally completed the form to receive specified childcare credits. During those years, my daughter has paid sufficient national insurance contributions to count towards a state pension 

(if there is such a thing by the time she is old), so she doesn't need the protection of her child benefit credits.

She's passing them to me, as she is entitled to do, so today I've claimed for 2023/ 2024 and 2024/2025. In November I'll be able to claim for 2025/2026, giving me 3 of the missing 6 years towards my full state pension. I'll continue to do this as I'll be needed to cover some school holidays, until I have sufficient years.

This afternoon I completed my first item towards our niece's baby gift. It's a matinee coat that I knitted for both of my girls, my grandchild, countless friends and colleagues, my former hairdresser, and a local hospital charity. It comes from the pattern book my mother in law gave to me in 1988.