Waiting for wholey retrospective national insurance credits claim - voluntary contributions

Hi, This week I spoke to the Job Seekers Allowance this week about the potential for me to retrospectively claim National Insurance credits for periods I was out of work, looking for work but not claiming benefits. They have told me they are sending me a form to submit. It is not clear if I will get anything, and it may take some time for them to process my request. I can afford to pay about 3 of the incomplete years (there are a number more in question) before the April 5th deadline. I have used the DWP callback form and got the message that they will contact me in the next 8 weeks. Should I go ahead and pay voluntary contributions for the three years I can afford to pay before the April 5th deadline? If I do eventually get national insurance credits for those 3 years, would I be able to reclaim those voluntary contributions? Thank you

Hi Robert Wheeler,
We are aware that due to the increased demand on DWP helplines that you may not get through to them before the deadline.
As the customer has submitted a call back by DWP discuss payment of voluntary NICs for tax years from 2006 by completing and submitting an online form to register your interest.
They will still be able to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions after the deadline has passed.
They do not need to make payment before the deadline.
Thank you.