Contrary to popular opinion, the state pension is not a universal right.

To qualify, you need to have paid National Insurance contributions for a set number of years.

That’s why whenever I write about pensions, I advise readers to get a forecast of their state entitlement from the Pension Service.

This will tell them if they need to fill in any contribution gaps – and show just how little the state will be paying them.

The Government is keen to focus people’s minds on sorting out workplace or personal provision to keep them above the breadline, and the shock of reading a forecast tends to do just that.

So I was surprised to learn from an IFA contact this week that the Pension Service has stopped providing forecasts.

Apparently, it’s down to a computer systems update and its forecasting service won’t be operational again until autumn 2008 – yes, that’s 2008.

Thanks guys!

In the meantime, if you want to find out more about your state pension entitlement, you could always try ringing their helpline on 0845 300 0168.