ni contribution top up application made before 5th April 2025 deadline

Jimithon

I am new to this forum.  I am sorry to say that I have failed to find a recent thread about applications to top up NI contributions from 2006/07 if made before 5th April 2025.  I would be delighted if I could be pointed in the right direction  but if not may I ask your help
In March 2025 I rang the help line and was told I would be contacted in due course as they were overwhelmed .  I was advised that even though this would probably be well after April, there would be no problem to make voluntary contributions.  
Before 5th April I again rang and was told my application was still live and I should await contact and I would not be prejudiced 
The letter from DWP dated 7th August 2025 advises that I can pay 4 additional years contributions to boost my existing state pension,  The letter continues to advise that I may (note may my emphasis) be able to pay 8 years of contributions from 2006/07 to 2015/16 and gives an amount for each year
I was self employed during some of that period.  The letter advises me to contact HMRC to clarify 
When I do so I am told that I cannot pay class 2 contributions as that closed 18 months ago.  When I point out that the letter says I may be eligible to pay class 2, the operative says that the wording of the dwp letter that I quoted, used the word "may" but his reading of the regulations is that I cannot.  He could not give me any reason why the letter mentioned the option if HMRC says Class 2 cannot now be paid 
three questions 
can I pay 4 years the contributions as listed and if so how/when to make those payments (or have I missed the boat?)
and (if I have not missed the boat) how do I persuade HMRC that the extension of the deadline to pay voluntary contributions applies to class 2 as well as class 3

molerat

Under the extension class 3 is pretty straightforward and can be paid back to 2006-07. Class 2 comes under a whole load of different regulations and time frames as to eligibility, HMRC are in control of those requirements. If you want to argue HMRC are incorrect you will need to dig out all the relevant statutes and HMRC manuals.  Why were you not paying class 2 whilst self employed ? Did you have a small earnings exception registered for the required years ?

The letters sent out from DWP under the extension usually have a 30 day payment requirement written on them and to pay that you need to contact HMRC for a code and payment details.

Jimithon

Thanks for your help 
Particularly the 30 day deadline  The dwp letter is silent
no I was not registered for small earnings although the earnings in 2 of the years was negative
I did ring the dwp help line and asked why they mention class 2 if HMRC say not applicable   
I was told that their understanding was that class 2 eligibility was available and that they had spoken to someone who had class 2  (they even quoted an amount for class 2 but I did not make a note)
Has no one else come up against this problem?
perhaps I should ask HMRC for their chapter and verse / legal authority when I talk to them again

molerat

I also believe there is something deep in the regulations about class 2 and the 6 year rule being enforced once beyond retirement age.   I doubt you will get chapter and verse from them and would need to do your own research to counter their refusal.

free21

Hi I am new to this forum. I was trying to ask Martin a question. After seeing him on Itv news in March about NI top up. I applied before the deadline. Heard back from DWP saying my application had been noted.
Have not heard a thing since. Tried ringing with no joy, the message saying for DWP contributions is in hand. 
Has anybody been contacted to let them know where they stand. 

molerat

What exactly did you do and what are you waiting for ?

Are you pre or post state retirement age ?

free21

Hi Molerat I am already getting my pension but only have 29 years so don't have the full pension. After seeing Martin on breakfast TV explaining that I could top up to receive the full pension. I then went on to the DWP website and applied before the lock off date 5th April. Which I must add gave me the impression that I qualify to top up.
I am now waiting to hear from DWP as to what happens now. It is now August. Not very good at explaining my situation. I am exhausted with phoning up  DWP and not being able to speak to a person. Confushed old age pensioner.

molerat

I am still confused as to what you actually did because once beyond SP age there is nothing you can do on line and everything is done by phone / letter with TPS.  If you have already spoken to them then a letter should be forthcoming, it does take a few months.  A friend spoke to TPS just before the cut off and received their options letter after around 4 months and has paid and is now waiting the maybe four months or so it takes for the increased payments to start.

free21

Hi Molerat This is the reply I had back on 22/4/2025. After I made the application. As explained I have heard nothing since. Sorry if I am not being very clear. Hope this helps you understand what I am asking. I am worried I have slipped through the net. 

Dear 

 

Thank you for contacting the Newcastle Pension Centre (international Group) dated 4th April 2025.

 

The cut off was midnight 5/4...I have forwarded your enquiry to our voluntary contributions team.

 

Please be aware that we are currently dealing with unprecedented demand for voluntary contributions advice.

 

Please be assured that anyone with their request in by 05/04/2025 will be considered to pay years back to 2006 even if we reply to you after this date.

 

 

Yours Sincerely

 

Lisa

 

+44 191 2187777

 

Jimithon

Hi Free21
for your information my application to the help line was made 11 march.  The reply from dwp was dated 7th August. Is it that DWP work through their applications according to when the application was received 

Jimithon

Hi Molerat   thanks for your comment that the 6 year rule applies to class 2