What class voluntary contributions can I pay as a UK tax resident with foreign income?

Hello, I am desperate for help on whether there is any way I can pay the gaps in my NI for the last two years. I lived in Australia between 2015 and 2022. Prior to leaving I was employed in the UK and paid 12 years of NI. I have returned to the UK due to a work injury I had in Australia. I have zero capacity for work. I am unlikely to ever regain my prior capacity for work, and an impairment is likely to be permanent. I had to move back to the UK as I have no family in Australia and I needed to be cared for by my mum, who lives in the UK. I don't yet qualify for PIP because I need to be in the UK for 2 out of 3 years, but I just learned about contribution based ESA. I have been a UK tax resident since 27/07/22. I earn a foreign income (non employment) which is liable for UK tax only. I have completed self assessments for FY23 and will do another in FY24. My questions are: 1. I haven't been working since living here, and haven't claimed benefits other than child benefit since 01/06/23. 27/07/22, Are there any way I can make class 2 contributions to make me eligible for contribution ESA, for FY23 and FY24, based on my foreign income? FYI - my foreign income is classified under pensions and annuities. I am 34 years old so this is not a pension, but this legal classification was the most suitable under the double taxation treaties. 2. Does the fact that I have paid 12 years of NI immediately prior to leaving the UK qualify me for contribution based ESA? 3. I was told that applying to pay NI gaps for the period I was living and working abroad (via the CF38 form) is currently taking 42 weeks to process. Is there any way I can claim ESA before I receive the decision, or any way I can pay class 2 contributions regardless? Thank you!

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