NI 18 digit code validity?

metrobus

I know I need to get a 18 digit code from the HMRC to pay 3 missing years of NI contributions.
Does anyone know how long this code is valid for please and what would be the easiest way of obtaining it? 

I have checked that it will be beneficial.

Thank you.

coastline

I was told it was valid until used as I used it months later . You can always drop them a line . Found this recently.

Class 3 NI voluntary contributions 18 digit code - Community Forum - GOV.UK (hmrc.gov.uk)

Hilag

metrobus said:

I know I need to get a 18 digit code from the HMRC to pay 3 missing years of NI contributions.
Does anyone know how long this code is valid for please and what would be the easiest way of obtaining it? 

I have checked that it will be beneficial.

Thank you.

You have to phone (impossible to get through, I wasted hours trying this yesterday) or write a letter (yep, snail mail only - no email address).  I have left feedback to say that it would be helpful if we could request this online. I would encourage others to do so - it might free up the phone lines.

p00hsticks

Hilag said:

metrobus said:

I know I need to get a 18 digit code from the HMRC to pay 3 missing years of NI contributions.
Does anyone know how long this code is valid for please and what would be the easiest way of obtaining it? 

I have checked that it will be beneficial.

Thank you.

 I have left feedback to say that it would be helpful if we could request this online. I would encourage others to do so - it might free up the phone lines.

I'm sure HMRC will have considered that, and their response will be that the development costs of implementing such a system can't be justified, given that in normal times their NI enquiries phoneline almost certainly has sufficient capacity to answer any calls in an acceptable timeframe. 

They certainly wouldn't be able to implement any such system in time to address the current exceptionally high demand, even now the deadline has been extended. 

And as I've said before, if HMRC enabled people to simply make voluntary contribution payments online, without first having spoken to them to check that they have first consulted with the Future Pensions Centre to ensure that the payments will actually increase their State Pension, they run the risk of getting accused a few years down the line of allowing people to go ahead and make voluntary payments that weren't actually of any benefit to them. 

xylophone

they ruin the risk of getting accused a few years down the line of allowing people to go ahead and make payments that weren't actually of any benefit to them. 

 Um......       Run?

p00hsticks

xylophone said:

they ruin the risk of getting accused a few years down the line of allowing people to go ahead and make payments that weren't actually of any benefit to them. 

 Um......       Run?

thanks - now editted

Hilag

p00hsticks said:

Hilag said:

metrobus said:

I know I need to get a 18 digit code from the HMRC to pay 3 missing years of NI contributions.
Does anyone know how long this code is valid for please and what would be the easiest way of obtaining it? 

I have checked that it will be beneficial.

Thank you.

 I have left feedback to say that it would be helpful if we could request this online. I would encourage others to do so - it might free up the phone lines.

I'm sure HMRC will have considered that, and their response will be that the development costs of implementing such a system can't be justified, given that in normal times their NI enquiries phoneline almost certainly has sufficient capacity to answer any calls in an acceptable timeframe. 

They certainly wouldn't be able to implement any such system in time to address the current exceptionally high demand, even now the deadline has been extended. 

And as I've said before, if HMRC enabled people to simply make voluntary contribution payments online, without first having spoken to them to check that they have first consulted with the Future Pensions Centre to ensure that the payments will actually increase their State Pension, they run the risk of getting accused a few years down the line of allowing people to go ahead and make voluntary payments that weren't actually of any benefit to them. 

The advice is from Future Pensions Centre - so if they provided the 18-digit code with the letter they send showing which years to pay this would prove you had the information. HMRC aren't providing advice.

metrobus

So who is contacted to get the 18 digit code,the FPC or HMRC, and can you pay without contacting the FPC since you know it’s beneficial to get the extra years of NI contributions?
Thank you.

oldernonethewiser

HMRC 0300 200 3500 is the number to dial

p00hsticks

Hilag said:

p00hsticks said:

Hilag said:

metrobus said:

I know I need to get a 18 digit code from the HMRC to pay 3 missing years of NI contributions.
Does anyone know how long this code is valid for please and what would be the easiest way of obtaining it? 

I have checked that it will be beneficial.

Thank you.

 I have left feedback to say that it would be helpful if we could request this online. I would encourage others to do so - it might free up the phone lines.

I'm sure HMRC will have considered that, and their response will be that the development costs of implementing such a system can't be justified, given that in normal times their NI enquiries phoneline almost certainly has sufficient capacity to answer any calls in an acceptable timeframe. 

They certainly wouldn't be able to implement any such system in time to address the current exceptionally high demand, even now the deadline has been extended. 

And as I've said before, if HMRC enabled people to simply make voluntary contribution payments online, without first having spoken to them to check that they have first consulted with the Future Pensions Centre to ensure that the payments will actually increase their State Pension, they run the risk of getting accused a few years down the line of allowing people to go ahead and make voluntary payments that weren't actually of any benefit to them. 

The advice is from Future Pensions Centre - so if they provided the 18-digit code with the letter they send showing which years to pay this would prove you had the information. HMRC aren't providing advice.

But the Future Pension Centre presumably don't know how to generate that code - that's part of HMRCs NI system.  

Ballito

I've been trying all morning, after a dozen phone calls to get through to 0300 200 3500.  It's a vicious, frustrating circle of disinformation!  Nobody answers, the web chat is useless, the information on the website keeps looping to the same pointless "information" that is not helpful!  I wish to pay a 1 year gap in my NI due to studies. I can't get the 18 digit code.  If HMRC were really serious about people paying gaps they would not not have this pitfall.  I now have to order a cheque book and send a courier by registered signed post with a letter and HOPE that somebody there......somewhere will sort it. Even more admin, more resource.  If they designed the website better with providing this 18 digit code for once off voluntary payments instead of phoning for the number then they would not be inundated and more efficient.  This is designed to fail !! HMRC and workplace pensions actually don't want to help....appear to be helpful but no not really!  What am I paying my taxes for......?  This is ridiculous