Voluntary contributions required when working in the EU?

Jules2025

Hi there, does anyone have any experience in dealing with NI Contributions for a period when you were working overseas, specifically in the Netherlands.

Between 2007 - 2012 I was working in the Netherlands and paid AOW - the Dutch version of NI. I was under the impression that given there is a Social Security Agreement between the two countries that I would not need to top-up that period in the UK NI system via voluntary contributions. Does anyone know if this is the case?

molerat

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c20dbe5274a1f5cc75f4f/6765.pdf

The Agreement is not in force.

This Command Paper was laid before Parliament by a Government Minister by Command of Her Majesty. Command Papers are considered by the Government to be of interest to Parliament but are not required to be presented by legislation.

I am sure someone with more knowledge in that area will be along soon.

Might be worth booking a callback as the clock is ticking on those years

Request a call back to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions - GOV.UK

But do you actually need those years, what does your forecast show ?

Jules2025

molerat said:

But do you actually need those years, what does your forecast show ?

Thanks!
Without the the forecast was just over £216 p/w so potentially worth it...

p00hsticks

Jules2025 said:

molerat said:

But do you actually need those years, what does your forecast show ?

Thanks!
Without the the forecast was just over £216 p/w so potentially worth it...

Do you mean that you have already accrued £216 a week, or that is the predicted forecast for when you reach State Pension age ?
If the former then you only need to worry about getting one more year. 

My understanding of the reciprocal arrangements is that your years worked in the Netherlands could be counted if needed to get to the ten year minimum now required to qualify for any UK State Pension, but wouldn't actually increase the amount. Presumably you may also be entitled to a Dutch pension due to your contributions to their system.