Selective topping-up for years when working abroad?

TheGreenFrog

I have five years of contributions to make in order to qualify for maximum state pension.  It is very unlikely that I will make any further contributions before I reach pension age. 

I worked abroad for 10 years between 2008 and 2018 so am thinking of making a claim on CF83 - as I moved abroad with my work and was working in UK for many years immediately preceding the move abroad I think I may be entitled to make Class 2 contributions, but am not sure.  If so then paying five years of Class 2 now seems a sensible thing to do (main alternative being to wait until very close to retirement age and then pay class 3s to make up any shortfall).. 

However I already have 26 full years of contributions before I moved abroad, so ideally I would pay Class 2 for 16/17 and 17/18 and then Class 2 for three of the 15/16 and before years.  I am not sure whether I will be allowed to do this though - is CF83 application an all or nothing? 

Any insight gratefully received!

molerat

I believe once the CF83 reply comes back it gives you choices, it is not all or nothing, it is simply an alternative to the standard class 3 "price list".

TheGreenFrog

Ta, @molerat