Am I likely to qualify for Class 2 contributions?

ereiamjh

I lost my job some years ago. In the years since then, I have lived somewhat unconventionally; travelling a lot (but not fully "living abroad,") doing voluntary work and largely living off my savings. I've never claimed any benefits whatsoever. I occasionally sell bits and pieces online but have never come anywhere near to the personal allowance threshold and, until last year, I'd never filed a Self Assessment form.

I have a number of incomplete NI years that I'd like to pay off while I still have the chance but I'm unsure if my situation may qualify me for Class 2 contributions, which would obviously cost me far less. I imagine I do not qualify; I've never considered myself as self-employed but perhaps I was and I just didn't realise it? Can anybody advise?

I'm a nervous wreck speaking to strangers on the telephone so I'm reluctant to ring the Future Pension Centre or HMRC unless there's a realistc chance it'll prove fruitful. Elsewise, I'll just pay online.

p00hsticks

I'm not an expert on this but my understanding is that to qualify for Class 2 whilst abroad you need to have been working immediately before leaving the UK and also be working whilst abroad, and to qualify for Class 2 while in this country you need to have officially registered yourself as Self Employed with HMRC. 

So I think it unlikely that you'd qualify for paying at the Class 2 rate. 

ereiamjh

p00hsticks said:

So I think it unlikely that you'd qualify for paying at the Class 2 rate. 

I figured that was probably the case.