Reclaiming possible overpayment of voluntary NI contributions

debzib

Think I messed up; On the 17th February 2025 I paid Option 2 of 4 options; £206.05 which would have taken my state pension up to £209.66 a week, with a view to paying the remaining £887.60 this month when a short term savings account I had matured. Because of the backlog my payment has not been registered so the only way I can see to ensure I receive my full pension (when I am 67 in 4 years time) is to pay Option 4 which means I have to pay the £887.60 plus the £206.05 I have already paid again. I have tried to get through on the phone to HMRC to no avail and just spent another very frustrating 30 minutes trying to find help online again to no avail.
I am holding off paying the full amount until the last possible minute in the vain hope it does show on my record before then however the recorded message on HMRC phone says it is unlikely voluntary payments already made will show up before the cut off date; 5th April 2024. I really don't want to miss out on getting my full pension (have done 10 years Army Service, 15 years Police and 17 years part time with the Open University so was very disappointed and surprised that I still had a shortfall) Can anyone advice me please or have any experience of getting money back which one has effectively 'overpaid' to HMRC. Thank you in anticipation, Debz 

Marcon

debzib said:

Think I messed up; On the 17th February 2025 I paid Option 2 of 4 options; £206.05 which would have taken my state pension up to £209.66 a week, with a view to paying the remaining £887.60 this month when a short term savings account I had matured. Because of the backlog my payment has not been registered so the only way I can see to ensure I receive my full pension (when I am 67 in 4 years time) is to pay Option 4 which means I have to pay the £887.60 plus the £206.05 I have already paid again. I have tried to get through on the phone to HMRC to no avail and just spent another very frustrating 30 minutes trying to find help online again to no avail.
I am holding off paying the full amount until the last possible minute in the vain hope it does show on my record before then however the recorded message on HMRC phone says it is unlikely voluntary payments already made will show up before the cut off date; 5th April 2024. I really don't want to miss out on getting my full pension (have done 10 years Army Service, 15 years Police and 17 years part time with the Open University so was very disappointed and surprised that I still had a shortfall) Can anyone advice me please or have any experience of getting money back which one has effectively 'overpaid' to HMRC. Thank you in anticipation, Debz 

See https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/request-a-call-back-to-pay-voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/contact-form

Asking for a callback 'stops the clock'.

ironlady2022

If you cab, ring as soon as they open

debzib

Thank you guys, I used the link and have printed out the 'Request sent' bit. I am very relieved.