NI contributions advice

Mikhail

Hello, I was unemployed for a few years while I was taking care of my partner before I discovered and started receiving Carers Allowance. Naturally, the DWP refused to backdate anything for more than a previous tax year. Therefore, I have a few questions:

1) Is it worth paying the voluntary contributions of £824.60? In my case, I would have to pay several of them.

2) I understand that there are different classes of contributions, and I may pay less. Unfortunately, I cannot find any firm or tax advisor who can guide me through this process. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

molerat

1) Without full details of your current SP forecast etc who knows

2) Class 1 contributions are earned through work or some benefits, class 2 - the cheap ones at under £200 pa - through self employment and class 3 voluntary.  You don't need any firm or tax advisor on that count, it is quite straightforward.

Post up the following anonymous details from your forecast and someone will give their thoughts

Current weekly £££.pp amount accrued up to April 2024 (or 2023 as some may not have been updated so please specify if so).
Number of full NI years 15-16 and earlier
Number of full NI years 16-17 and later
Tax year you reach state retirement
Any COPE amount.  If you have "You've been in a contracted-out pension scheme" on your forecast then click
here https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/check-your-state-pension/account/cope whilst logged into your tax account
Years which show not full and prices

And what are you doing now and in the future ?

AlanP_2

The starting point would be to put up the details from your SP forecast on here as until we at least know what you know we are in the dark 

Redact any info that personally identifies you.

In general buying additional SP is a good investment but everybody's situation is different so details needed as requested.

Also your age would be useful and current situation as regards NI or NI credits.