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Need an 18 digit code to pay voluntary state pension contributions

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Ok, ive had a pension forecast, ive had advice and i know exactly what i need to pay to top up my state pension contributions but online the gov website tells me i need an 18 digit payment code that i have to ring their office and get…..I HAVE RANG AND RANG AND RANG FOR DAYS AND I CANT GET THROUGH…. If i get through i get a recorded message saying they will record the phone call and THEN I GET CUT OFF EVERY SINGLE TIME.  I am so frustrated.

My question is….is there any other way i can get this 18 digit payment code just so i can pay to top up my pension? …to be honest i think i may die of old age before actually getting through

Comments

  • Rodders53
    Rodders53 Posts: 2,655 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 10 March 2023 at 11:16AM
    This has been asked and answered repeatedly in this very forum area.

    Send a cheque is the other way.  No need for the ref number.  Just the usual Name NI No and years you want to purchase.
  • p00hsticks
    p00hsticks Posts: 14,414 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Rodders53 said:
    This has been asked and answered repeatedly in this very forum area.

    Send a cheque is the other way.  No need for the ref number.  Just the usual Name NI No and years you want to purchase.
    Pay voluntary Class 3 National Insurance: By cheque through the post - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • kippers
    kippers Posts: 2,063 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    It says “ Write your Class 3 National Insurance reference number on the back of the cheque. You’ll find this on your payslip.”
  • If you do not have a payslip, your NI number is sufficient

    If you do not have an HMRC payslip

    Include a note with:

    • your name, address and phone number
    • your Class 3 National Insurance contributions reference number (or National Insurance number)
    • how much you’re paying
    • the period you’re paying for
  • We were able to use the "National Insurance: chat" service to get that pesky Class 3 reference number.  To get there you need to Google for National Insurance General Enquiries and then choose the "Ask HMRC's digital assistant" link at the top of that page.  Initially you will be chatting to a bot but you get the option to chat to a real person soon enough. They generated an 18-digit reference for us during the chat.
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