Can I make a voluntary NI contribution after claiming my state pension?

I’m due to claim my state pension in September 2025. I am a year short of the full state pension and will likely need to pay for this year 2024/25 or I could pay for 2022/23 which is also a gap. I would like obviously to pay for whichever is less. Will I be able to pay for either of these years after claiming my pension assuming that 2024/25 is not available when I claim?

Hi Teresa Carter,
You may pay voluntary contributions after you claim your pension but your pension will only increase from the date that we received your payment.  
You may wish to speak with the Future Pension Centre on 0800 7310175 to check which year would be more beneficial for you to pay.  
If they advise the 2022-2023 tax year, then you may wish to call our National Insurance Helpline on 0300 2003500 to arrange payment before you reach pension age.
Thank you.

But can I make the 2022/23 voluntary contribution after I’ve started claiming my pension?

Hi Teresa Carter,
I can confirm that you may pay for the 2022-2023 tax year after you start claiming your pension but your pension will only increase from the date that we receive your payment.  
It is possible to pay for the 2022-2023 tax year until 5 April 2029 but may be due at a higher rate if you pay after 5 April 2025.
Thank you.

I have a similar question. I am a couple of years short of 35 years NI contributions and cannot pay the gaps as they are pre 2006. I reach retirement age next year but will continue working. Can I voluntarily continue to pay NI contributions so that when I do retire I will have paid the full 35 years?

Hi Misterpee2 Padley,
You can still voluntary pay any past gaps you have after you reach State Pension Age on your record between 2006 and your Final relevant Year.
Your Final relevant year is the last full tax year before you reach state pension age.
For Example if you reach State pension age on 27/09/2024 your final relevant year would be the tax year 2023-2024 as a tax year runs from 6th of April until the 5th of April.
nfortunately you can not pay any future years after your State pension Age.
Thank you. 

 

I live abroad in the EU. I am already collecting my state pension. I am 66 years old. However, the pension I receive reflects the fact that I am one year short of the full state pension. I have two NI contribution gap years 2019-2020 and 2022-2023. Both of these are at the same amount of contribution. Is it still possible for me to pay for one of these years and if so how do I obtain a payment number to make the contribution? Thanks in advance.

I retired in April last year 2023 69 years old. Am I eligible to top up my NI payments/buy extra NI contributions. I am already receiving state pension.

Hi tonyz,
You can make voluntary payments if you are already in receipt of your state pension, however, can only pay for tax years prior to your state pension age.
If you are residing abroad you need to contact the International pension centre +44 (0) 191 218 7777 who will issue a letter advising what gaps you have, what you can pay, how much it will be and how to pay.
Thank you.

Hi loveness_muchemwa Muchemwa,
Sorry, we can only answer HMRC questions on this forum.
Please contact the Pension Service for advice about making voluntary National Insurance contributions if you’ve already reached State Pension age.
Thank you.