Voluntary National Insurance contributions

I made 2 voluntary ni payment for my wife, the cheques where cashed 18 April and 14 March. As yet my wife's account hasn't been updated.

Hi, in 2022 I paid some gaps in my NI payments to top up my state pension. I was given an 18 digit code, I need to pay one more year can I use the 18 digit code from last year or do I now need a new one please? Thank you

another question relating to this can I call then NI helpdesk even if its regarding my wifes NI record

Hi,
Payments need to be applied manually to the NI record and he area which deal with this work are currently dealing with payments  which were received on 29 September 2022.  
If your wife contacts the NI helpline on 0300 200 3500, they will be able to allocate the payment to her NI record during the call.
Lines are open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday.
Thank you.

Hi judith Waring,

The 18 digit reference number is given for a specific payment. In order to ensure the payment is made to the correct account, and allocated as quickly as possible, you will need to obtain a new 18 digit reference by contacting our National Insurance team.

National Insurance: general enquiries

Thank you.

Hi, thank you for that information. My record said last week that I had 37 qualifying years of NI payments with 1 year to pay to reach my maximum state pension. I paid that 1 year, now my record says I have 38 qualifying years BUT still says I need 1 more year to qualify for my maximum pension. How can that be? Thank you in advance

Hi,

Any questions regarding your state pension forecast should be directed to DWP. 

If you are below pension age you should contact the Future Pension Centre .

Contact the Future Pension Centre

If you are over pension age you should contact the Pension Service.

Contact the Pension Service

HMRC cannot advise on the years needed to reach the maximum state pension.

Thank you.
 

I paid a NI additional contribution 10 days ago. I had an email confirmation but to date my records have not been updated, How long should I wait before contacting HMRC and who should I call? Thanks

Hi BarbS,
The payments have been very busy towards the end of the tax year but we are processing them in good time, if it has been more than eight weeks since making the payment you can contact our NI helpline and an agent will check the details.
Thank you.
 

I have one year overpayment from my voluntary contribution since March 2023 (yes 2023!!!). although I was sent a letter in May 2023 to let me know I will be getting a refund, months passed , I still haven't received anything. Despite me making several phone calls and raising online complaints a couple times , I am still not getting my refund. If you decide to keep my money please give me another pensionable year. I hope someone will be reading this...

Hi,

We are sorry to hear of the delay you are experiencing in receiving your refund. Unfortunately, without checking your records, we are unable to help you on this forum.

Please contact the National Insurance team and we can check your records, and answer any further queries you may have. 

National Insurance: general enquiries

Thank you.

I paid a NI additional contribution 3 weeks ago. I have had no email confirmation and to date my records have not been updated, How long should I wait before contacting HMRC and who should I call? Thanks

I left the UK in 2010 and I’ve been paying class three contributions since then. I have recently become aware that I possibly should’ve only been paying class two contributions and therefore maybe entitled to a refund and also only pay class two contributions going forward. Can you clarify for me?

Hi Cormac,
You must request this type of change request in writing and you should also complete a new CF83 application from the gov.uk website. You should submit as much information covering your time abroad.
More information can be found searching our website for Guidance on Social Security abroad: NI38.
Thank you.

 

Hi Julian,
If your NI record has not been updated 8 weeks after payment was made, please contact the NI helpline on 0300 200 3500. Lines are open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday.
Thank you.

I don't know how to use this site it's so hard! So here goes ... This question is for HMRC regarding voluntary class 2 or 3 NIC shortfalls. The question is: when I log in online to see my missing NI payments the value is hugely different to the letter I received eg for the 2017 - 2018 year the letter says I need to pay GBP 163.80 but online it says GBP 824.20. Why does the online service say GBP 824.20 in contradiction to the letter? Which is correct? I believe the letter is correct as I live and work overseas. Please explain and how do I get this issue fixed please? I've also written a letter but the last time I did that it look one-whole-year to receive a reply :) and I need to pay BY APRIL 2025.

Hi Annep313,
Your online record only provides information at the Class 3 rate and is based on you living in the UK.
The information provided in your letter will be given based on your circumstances abroad.
Please following the steps on your letter to make payment.
Your online record cannot be amended
Any further queries please contact the National Insurance Helpline on 0300 2003500 or outside UK +44 191 2037010 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
Thank you.

Why is there a time limit on buying NI contributions to top up my pension? I cant see what purpose it serves and just causes a load of stress all round.

I have given up work 20 months before state pension age and my NI contributions are short by a smallish amount. Can I buy contributions in advance to top them up to full, or can I only buy in retrospect when the gaps are visible on my record?

Hi Lesley Morton,
You cannot set up payments for a tax year which you are currently employed or have taken/will take up employment until the tax year has ended.
At which point you can check your State Pension Forecast through your Personal Tax Account (PTA) to see if you can make a payment to fill the shortfall online.
If you can not make a payment through your PTA, you can use the webchat function or call us on 0300 200 3500 to receive payment details.
You will need to discuss with the Future Pension Centre to see if making the payment will benefit your pension. 
Contact the Future Pension Centre
Thank you.