Where can I find my 18 digit Class 3 NIC reference number?

uli1965

I’m trying to arrange payments to top up some of the missing pension years. In order to arrange on online payment/bank transfer /cheque payment, I require my 18 digit Class3 NIC reference number.

where can I find this?

many thanks

Dazed_and_C0nfused

uli1965 said:

I’m trying to arrange payments to top up some of the missing pension years. In order to arrange on online payment/bank transfer /cheque payment, I require my 18 digit Class3 NIC reference number.

where can I find this?

many thanks

No you don't.

https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance/by-post

p00hsticks

As dazed points out, if sending a cheque by post you can just use your ni number. 
If you want to make an online payment or bank transfer, you need to phone the HMRC NI enquiry line and ask them to give you the 18 digit reference 
National Insurance: general enquiries - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

uli1965

I have been trying to call the relevant HMRC NI enquiry line and don’t seem to be getting anywhere.

have called Future Pension Centre on 0800 7310175

this number advises to call HMRC on 0300 2003500.

after waiting for abound an hour, I spoke to somebody who was able to confirm outstanding NIC contributions amounts but when I asked for my 18 character Class3 NI ref number, they referred me back to Future Pension Centre.

at my wits end now how to obtain this bl…. Reference Number !!!

does anyone know a way /contact number to find out, please?? 🙏 

Brie

Think you need to call the 0300 number again.  I called that, was answered in under 10 minutes, was given the 18 digit number and sorted everything very quickly.  Luck of the draw in getting someone who knows what they are doing.  Biggest delay actually was getting me authorised to deal with everything as it was all being done on my OH's behalf.  

oldernonethewiser

The Future Pension Centre can't give you the 18 digit number. 

You definitely need to call the National Insurance people on the 0300 number.

GrubbyGirl_2

When I called HMRC they were reluctant to deal with me initially when I said I had not contacted Pension Futures but when I explained that I really didn't think I needed to as I had a full NI record form 1976 to 2020 (45 years) when I retired.  The pension forecast said I needed 4 years before April 2025 to get the full state pension and there was only 5 years between 2020 and 2025 so I didn't believe I needed to go through Pension Futures to work it out. She agreed and I got my 18 digit ref number.

They are going to be busy especially after Martin's show, you just need to hang on

Aristotle67

uli1965 said:

I have been trying to call the relevant HMRC NI enquiry line and don’t seem to be getting anywhere.

have called Future Pension Centre on 0800 7310175

this number advises to call HMRC on 0300 2003500.

after waiting for abound an hour, I spoke to somebody who was able to confirm outstanding NIC contributions amounts but when I asked for my 18 character Class3 NI ref number, they referred me back to Future Pension Centre.

at my wits end now how to obtain this bl…. Reference Number !!!

does anyone know a way /contact number to find out, please?? 🙏 

You just have to keep trying. As has been suggested by molerat and others, 7.55 am may be the best time to call. The lines open at 8.00 but there is a lot of information which will be pointless to you that you have to sit through. I called at 8.00 am and my call was answered at 8.25 am.

If they ask you the question "have you been in touch with the Future Pension Centre?" tell them that you have, even if you have not. That way you should be able to get them to advise you of the reference number. You can still contact the Future Pension Centre (good luck with that) if you need to.

HettyQ

Now that the deadline has been extended, if you still can't get through to get the reference number then you could do it the old fashioned way as I did and send a cheque through the post.  Then you just use your NI number (make sure to give them all your details in an attached letter) https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance/by-post