Topping up NI after living abroad

Skates68

I am a UK born citizen, 57 yrs old, in full time employment in UK since 2012.  Prior I lived for 22 years in US only contributing to US social security.  I resided / worked only 1 year in UK prior to moving to US when 18-19 years old as I lived in France from age 7 to 18.  From looking at form CF83 I don't believe I can pay voluntary gap years 2006 to 2011, is this correct?  Thank you.

molerat

You will be able to pay the gaps, it is which contribution rate that is in question, class 2 or 3.  Only completing the CF83 will give the answer to that. You were working directly prior to moving abroad and should have a prior record.  Have you got a forecast and what does it show ?

Skates68

I only lived & worked 1 year in UK prior to relocating to US, my understanding is 3 years of UK residence & NI contributions are required?

molerat

Firstly do you need those years? That's why I asked what your forecast showed.  Fill in the CF83 and they will say yes or no, nothing lost apart from a bit of your time. Those 2 conditions are a bit flexible and open to interpretation. But the biggest factor you need to consider is will those years make any difference.

Skates68

£1,762/year, I'd recoup after 3 years.  I just wanted to know before completing form if my situation would be an automatic 'No' and save me the hassle.  I'm more worried now about getting my 22 yrs of SS from the US!  Cheers.

molerat

If you need those years you either go in now and pay class 3 or fill in the CF83 and wait for the decision if you will get class 2 or class 3. It looks like you may need those years as you may currently only have 17ish and only able to get another 10 going forward.