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Voluntary NIC to top up state pension

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  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 34,633 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Thanks to all who have contributed their views here.  Still being confused by the advice & opinions (that's why I'm a confusedlad! :) ), I decided to bite the bullet and called HMRC this morning. (I'd previously resisted doing this because of the wait times and the varying levels of knowledge of the call centre staff).

    The advice I was given (and I recorded this) is that for me 'prices' for 2019/20 and 2020/21 WILL increase on 31 July 2023.  So if I delayed paying the 4 year 'total' (£3244.80) past the end of July 2023 then I would simply fall short of 'topping up'.  This is consistent with my GG which confirms prices for these 2 years "may increase after 31 July 2023".

    So I guess it is in my interest to stump up the contribution to get it at the current prices rather than wait.

    Clearly, from the very clear and strongly expressed views in response to my query, there remains some disagreement and confusion (and I agree the handling of the whole thing including communication from the Government has been far from perfect).  I guess I have least to lose by making the voluntary contribution 'earlier' rather than 'later' in the year. Which I will do early next month.

    When you pay different rates

    If the gap in your National Insurance record was between 6 April 2016 and 5 April 2023, you’ll pay the rates that applied in the 2022 to 2023 tax year:

    After 5 April 2025, you may have to pay higher rates or be ineligible to pay. Find out more about how and when to pay.

    If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

    You may be able to pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2025 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016. Check if you’re eligible.

    You’ll pay the rates for the 2022 to 2023 tax year. The rates are:

    • £3.15 a week for Class 2
    • £15.85 a week for Class 3




  • Confusedlad
    Confusedlad Posts: 40 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    Thanks molerat.
    I called HMRC back a second time & was told rates for the years in question WOULD be frozen - as you have said - for the years in question.
    So even the people working on the HMRC helpline can't agree.
    And the website / Government Gateway info is at odds!
    I've asked for a manager from HMRC to listen to the 2 pieces of advice given on consecutive days and was promised someone would call me back within 48 hours.
    Hoping for confirmation/resolution.  It matters to me - I can't easily pay the £ before 31 July but can afford to later in the year.
    Really appreciate the help given on this site. Thanks again.

  • pinnks
    pinnks Posts: 1,549 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I aske HMRC the same question and they replied in writing that the you take 31 July 2023 and substitute 5 April 2025, so years stay at the price they were in 2022/23.

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