When are NI credits applied to your account?

If you retire in 2025 just before the end of the 2024/5 tax year when will NI (class 3) carers credits be added to your account? Are credits allocated weekly/monthly/annually? If there is just a 3 week gap in credits to qualify for a full year is it possible to make a voluntary payment equivalent to 3 weeks before the end of the 2024/5 tax year?

Hi
Credits for caring for someone are awarded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and are added annually.  If there is a gap in National Insurance, we can advise of any shortfall once the credits have been applied.
The option to pay voluntarily can be taken by HMRC if you are looking to pay regardless of the outcome later in the year. We will note that you have made any payment before expected credits.
Please be advised that the last tax year does not count to your state pension. If you reach state pension age in the 2024/25 tax year, that year will not count if you are looking to make it a qualifying tax year.
You can call DWP to obtain pensions forecast and they will advise you on the tax year.
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