Using your Personal Tax Account to check if you can make voluntary NICs and pay online

Signing in to check my NICs just now I saw this new(?) message: "You can soon use your Personal Tax Account to check if you can make voluntary National Insurance contributions, and pay using the online service." (I don't know how long it's been there, as I haven't checked the page for a while, so "soon" may be imminent.) This sounds wonderful, but can you give any idea of what month "soon" might be, or even a date range? If it's soon enough, I might not need to sit on hold with the various helplines after all. Also, will this new development be available to those of us currently living abroad and wanting to make up our contributions? Thanks in advance

Hi 

I am afraid this tool is still in the development stage. Full details of how it can be used will be provided when they are available. 

At present, the only way to pay online is using the reference number provided by calling the NI helpline on 0300 200 3500. Lines are open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday.

If you still have a cheque book, have checked with DWP that the payment will increase your pension entitlement and know how much to pay, you can send in a cheque to – 

National Insurance Contributions & Employer Office
HM Revenue & Customs
BX5 5BD

Make the cheque payable to 'HM Revenue and Customs only'

Write your NINO on the back of the cheque and include a covering letter to advise which year(s) you are paying.

Thanks