You may have gaps or part years in your National Insurance (NI) record due to a number of reasons – for example, you may have been employed on low earnings, or unemployed but not claiming benefits. Those who were self-employed or worked abroad may also have gaps in their record.
If your National Insurance record is incomplete you can make up one or more qualifying years by paying voluntary contributions – known as Class 3 contributions. Voluntary Class 2 contributions are for low-income self-employed people.
How can I check if I’ve any National Insurance gaps?
You’ll need to access your National Insurance record to check if you have any gaps, if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions, and how much it will cost. Visit the Check your State Pension website to get a summary of your National Insurance history and gaps you might have.
https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
How many years of missing National Insurance can I buy?
You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past six years. The deadline is 5 April each year.
Who can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions?
A wide range of people can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions. Those in employment (Class 3) and the self-employed (usually Class 2) can plug gaps. Those who’ve reached state pension age and want to fill in gaps in their National Insurance record are able to via Class 3 contributions.
Citizens living abroad and working (Class 2) or not working (Class 3) can also add contribution years.
How much do voluntary National Insurance contributions cost?
The rates for the 2024 to 2025 tax year are:
- £3.45 a week for Class 2 (most people pay Class 2 through self assessment)
- £17.45 a week for Class 3
You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.