Ex Pat reired at 67 - can I still buy back NI?

johnfenit

I have less than 10 contributions and just became aware of facility to buy NI additional years to bring me above 10 years.

Have I missed the boat at 67?

thanks

molerat

I see no reason why it is not possible.

What you can buy and how much it will cost you depends on your particular circumstances around your work history when you left UK and your work history overseas. If you can get class 2 then that will only cost you a one off £164 per year purchased, an absolute bargain to receive £275 per year pension.  Depending on where you are resident your pension may not increase each year though.

You need to get a move on though as access to years from 2006-07 to 2016-17 stops in April 23.

https://www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre  Lots of links in that page

There are a few ex pats on here so I am sure one of them will be along and comment shortly.

MovingForwards

Didn't you already buy some?
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6261472/buying-back-pension-years-hmrc-national-insurance#latest

Marcon

MovingForwards said:

Didn't you already buy some?
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6261472/buying-back-pension-years-hmrc-national-insurance#latest

OP - you say you did, so is it possible the purchase wasn't correctly recorded? Judging from the post quoted, you should have well over the minimum 10 years needed to get some state pension.

bostonerimus

You have to be self employed abroad or working for a foreign employer abroad to qualify for Class 2 NI. Still double check with HMRC, you might be able to go back a few years.

molerat

I worked in the UK [1990 to 1996] and subsequently worked after that in Ireland. I requested to buy back years from the HMRC and was allowed to buy back from 2006/07 to current period, which I did.

Query: wondering about the years between 1996 and 2006, can I request to buy these or is there a reason why this period was not made available by the HMRC?

The question was answered in the original post.

So what is the situation now ?

bostonerimus

molerat said:

I worked in the UK [1990 to 1996] and subsequently worked after that in Ireland. I requested to buy back years from the HMRC and was allowed to buy back from 2006/07 to current period, which I did.

Query: wondering about the years between 1996 and 2006, can I request to buy these or is there a reason why this period was not made available by the HMRC?

The question was answered in the original post.

So what is the situation now ?

Looks like the limit is 10 years and if you were working for an Irish employer you should get Class 2 NI. It's a shame you didn't keep paying voluntary NI from 1996 onwards.