Eligibility for Voluntary National Insurance Contributions After Living Abroad

Hi, I would like to know if I am eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions, as I have lived abroad for most of my life. I left the UK with my family when I was 3 years old and returned at the age of 42 in 2011. I never lived or worked in the UK between the ages of 3 and 42. I am 55 years old now and have the option in the HMRC app to pay for 6 full years (2006 to 2012). However, at the end of the payment application, I was asked whether I was living abroad in any of those years (2006-2012). If I click “Yes,” I receive a note stating that I must contact the Future Pension Centre. If I click “No,” I can proceed with the voluntary payment of approximately £6,000 for the 6 years. Could you clarify whether I am eligible to make this voluntary payment? Also, my husband is in the same situation as me, but his case is different. He is Italian and has the option to pay for most of the year 2011-2012, but he has never lived in the UK before. Would he also be eligible to make these voluntary National Insurance contributions? Thank You in advance.

Hi Emma Jane,
You can find the criteria for paying Voluntary Contributions abroad by reading NI38 on the gov.uk website
Social Security abroad: NI38
If you believe you are eligible, you’ll then have to apply using the form CF83 ‘Application to pay National Insurance Contributions abroad’ Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions when abroad (CF83)
This can be completed online or by print and post.
Once we receive your application our caseworkers will be able to investigate your circumstances to see if you are eligible for making payments.
Your husband will need to do the same.
Thank you.