Do I need a new reference each time I top up NI?

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: National Insurance before 2006.

PixiePom

Hi, I’m about to top up my national insurance contributions, I have been given an 18 digit code/reference. Will this be the same code I use each time I pay, or do I need to call and get a new code each time? TIA

SimonFF

Following,

pinnks

No, because is it bespoke to the amount you are paying each time.

QrizB

PixiePom said:

Hi, I’m about to top up my national insurance contributions, I have been given an 18 digit code/reference. Will this be the same code I use each time I pay

No, because as pinnks says the code tells HMRC which years you're paying for.

PixiePom said:

, or do I need to call and get a new code each time? TIA

Yes you need a new code each time.
Although I think some people were saying there's now an online top-up system, so if you're only paying for the years it wants to give you, you could use that? It's not very smart yet, and doesn't let you choose specific years.

Turned_out_nice.

Just paid for a year missing for my wife. Voluntary class 3, only option was for the least expensive. All went through reasonably painlessly and already showing on her records within a week. 

SimonFF

I requested a PIN code in July to top up the year 2014 but I didn't use it. Can I still use it now?

pinnks

If you are paying 2014 then yes.

SimonFF

pinnks said:

If you are paying 2014 then yes.

@pinnks
Sorry for being pedantic and thick. "Yes" that I need a code or that I can reuse the code?

pinnks

"Can I still use it now?" was the question.  The answer is "If you are paying 2014 then yes."  If you are seeking to pay any other year then you would need a new code.