Voluntary NI contributions to top up state pension - how do I pay

pritchah

I've done all the calcs and followed the guidance and spoken to the various helplines - and now I'm ready to pay for one year at least

But I can't find out where and how to do it!

Advice please

molerat

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

pritchah

Yes, I saw that, but see below

Reference number

Use your reference number when making your payment. You’ll find it on your bill [what bill?]

For quarterly payments, your number will be 18 characters beginning with 11.

For one-off payments, your number will be 18 characters beginning with 60 [I was given a number over the phone when I called the helpline. I only jotted it down, and want to make 100% certain I've got it right].

pinnks

Also, do you want to pay just yet?  You could keep your money in the bank for 18 months - earns some interest and "protects" you from the consequences on an encounter with an omnibus, if you get my drift...  The deadline to pay is now 5 April 2025.

pritchah

And furthermore, on one of the other options to pay -

At your bank or building society

Pay at a branch by cash or cheque. You’ll need the payslip HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sent with your bill. [not received a payslip or bill]

Make your cheque payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’.

Write your Class 3 National Insurance reference number on the back of your cheque. You’ll find the reference number on the payslip provided by HMRC [as above, no bill!]

HMRC will accept your payment on the date you make it, and not the date it reaches HMRC’s account, if you pay between Monday and Friday.

molerat

If you have been given a reference number from the phone call with HMRC  that is what you use.

p00hsticks

pritchah said:

I've done all the calcs and followed the guidance and spoken to the various helplines - and now I'm ready to pay for one year at least

But I can't find out where and how to do it!

Advice please

What 'various helplines' are you referring to ?
The standard procedure is to first phone the Future Pension Centre for the guidance on what years if any would boost your pension, and then call HMRC NI Enquiries to get the reference number to enable you to actually make the payment.