Can I make a voluntary NI contribution after claiming my state pension?

I’m due to claim my state pension in September 2025. I am a year short of the full state pension and will likely need to pay for this year 2024/25 or I could pay for 2022/23 which is also a gap. I would like obviously to pay for whichever is less. Will I be able to pay for either of these years after claiming my pension assuming that 2024/25 is not available when I claim?

Hi Teresa Carter,
You may pay voluntary contributions after you claim your pension but your pension will only increase from the date that we received your payment.  
You may wish to speak with the Future Pension Centre on 0800 7310175 to check which year would be more beneficial for you to pay.  
If they advise the 2022-2023 tax year, then you may wish to call our National Insurance Helpline on 0300 2003500 to arrange payment before you reach pension age.
Thank you.

But can I make the 2022/23 voluntary contribution after I’ve started claiming my pension?

Hi Teresa Carter,
I can confirm that you may pay for the 2022-2023 tax year after you start claiming your pension but your pension will only increase from the date that we receive your payment.  
It is possible to pay for the 2022-2023 tax year until 5 April 2029 but may be due at a higher rate if you pay after 5 April 2025.
Thank you.

I have a similar question. I am a couple of years short of 35 years NI contributions and cannot pay the gaps as they are pre 2006. I reach retirement age next year but will continue working. Can I voluntarily continue to pay NI contributions so that when I do retire I will have paid the full 35 years?

Hi Misterpee2 Padley,
You can still voluntary pay any past gaps you have after you reach State Pension Age on your record between 2006 and your Final relevant Year.
Your Final relevant year is the last full tax year before you reach state pension age.
For Example if you reach State pension age on 27/09/2024 your final relevant year would be the tax year 2023-2024 as a tax year runs from 6th of April until the 5th of April.
nfortunately you can not pay any future years after your State pension Age.
Thank you. 

 

I live abroad in the EU. I am already collecting my state pension. I am 66 years old. However, the pension I receive reflects the fact that I am one year short of the full state pension. I have two NI contribution gap years 2019-2020 and 2022-2023. Both of these are at the same amount of contribution. Is it still possible for me to pay for one of these years and if so how do I obtain a payment number to make the contribution? Thanks in advance.

I retired in April last year 2023 69 years old. Am I eligible to top up my NI payments/buy extra NI contributions. I am already receiving state pension.

Hi tonyz,
You can make voluntary payments if you are already in receipt of your state pension, however, can only pay for tax years prior to your state pension age.
If you are residing abroad you need to contact the International pension centre +44 (0) 191 218 7777 who will issue a letter advising what gaps you have, what you can pay, how much it will be and how to pay.
Thank you.

Hi loveness_muchemwa Muchemwa,
Sorry, we can only answer HMRC questions on this forum.
Please contact the Pension Service for advice about making voluntary National Insurance contributions if you’ve already reached State Pension age.
Thank you.

As I'm already in receipt of the state pension how do I pay 1 final year of class 3 contributions. I can see the gap online but it says unavailable to pay online. Phone number given is for future pension service and the recorded message says.... not available if you're in receipt of your pension. Gone round in circles on the various phone lines, none are the right choice to get that 18 digit reference number

After receipt of your first state pension payment who do you contact to get confirmation of gap years and then how do you make payment to increase your state pension.

Hi I am 66 on the 21/02/2025, For the financial year 2024/25 I will be 5 or 6 weeks short of a full years N.I. contribution. Even thought I reach pension age on the 21 of February 2025 can I pay the extra contribution to make it up to a full qualifying year. Regards Stephanie Strange

Hi,
Please contact the Pensions Service about making voluntary National Insurance contributions if you have already reached pension age.
Guidance on the full process is available at:
Voluntary National Insurance
Thank you

Hi Pensioner Biker,
I can confirm that you may pay voluntary National Insurance contributions after you reach UK State Pension Age.  
If you could call The Pension Service then they will be able to check if paying the voluntary contributions would be a benefit to your pension entitlement and advise you of the amount required.
If you are in the UK then please call The Pension Service on 0800 731 0469 or if you are overseas please call the International Pension Centre on +44 191 218 7777.
Thank you.

Hi Steph Strange,
Voluntary National Insurance contributions may only be paid for the tax year before the one in which you reach UK State Pension Age.  
As you have advised that you reach pension age on 21 February 2025, the final tax year that you may pay voluntary contributions for is the 2023-2024.  
Thank you.

Hello, regarding voluntary National Insurance contributions: can you please advise how long the response from HMRC will take once someone has contacted The Pension Service and in my case the International Pension Centre? Thanks in advance.

Hi I'm 55 and I am 5 years short of the magic 35 years. I won't be able to make NI contributions going forward, and therefore won't be able to make the 35 years, as things stand now. But I can make lump sums to reach the 35 years, before state pension age, and therefore get my full state pension. Am I allowed to do this? If so, how? Thank you

Hi tonyz,
If you have contacted the DWP International Pension Centre then may I ask that you contact them directly and they will be able to help you further.  
Their telephone number is:  +44 (0)191 2187777.
Thank you.

 

Hi Graham,
If you are 55 you have not reached State pension age and will be able to have the option to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions.
Please contact Pensions forecasts at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
They will advise you on your current state pension and how you can increase it.
Once you have been advised which tax years you can pay, they will also advise you how many qualifying years are required and if you are able to get a full state pension.
Once you have checked with DWP they will direct you to contact HMRC to make any payments.
If you have already checked your State pension with DWP, you can only pay voluntary National Insurance for past tax years and potentially the current year depending on your circumstances, you cannot pay for future tax years.
DWP pensions forecasts:
Number - 0800 731 0175
Overseas - +44 191 218 3600
Open - 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday
HMRC helpline:
Number - 0300 200 3500
Overseas - +44 191 203 7010
Open - Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Thank you.