NI Contribution Shortfall

Neil4

I have looked at past posts and non quite answer my question, so here goes.
I have 38 years full contribution and the last 4 years a shortfall due to not working nor claiming benefits, looking at my forcast it states
"I need to continue to contribute National Insurance to reach my forcast"  Estimate based on your National Insurance record up to 5 April 2022
£171.34 a week it then states "Full pension if you contribute another 3 years before 5 April 2031"
so I have 4 years I can volunteer to pay shortfall, 
2021 to 2022 Pay a voluntary contribution of £800.80 by 5 April 2028 2020 to 2021 Pay a voluntary contribution of £795.60 by 5 April 20272019 to 2020 Pay a voluntary contribution of £47.55 by 5 April 20262018 to 2019 Pay a voluntary contribution of £285.30 by 5 April 2025
If I only have to contribute 3 years could I just pay the £285, the £47 and the £795 and that would  mean I'd not have to pay National Insurance anymore and get the full state pension?
I have 9 years till my state pension to go
Thanks for any information

p00hsticks

Neil4 said:

If I only have to contribute 3 years could I just pay the £285, the £47 and the £795 and that would  mean I'd not have to pay National Insurance anymore and get the full state pension?

Yes, you could.

Paying for anything more than to top up those three years won't boost your pension any further - and in fact, just paying for the cheapest two would boost your forecast to £181.92. The third year would take your forecast up a further £3.23 to the maximum £185.15

You then only have to  pay any further NI if you are still working (and exceeding the relevant NI thresholds)

molerat

2 years will take you to £181.92 at £5.29 per year, the third year will only add £3.23.