Should I Buy Missing NI Years?
Class 2 only available if you were self-employed in the gap years
Frequently Asked Questions
35 qualifying years of NI contributions are needed for the full new state pension (£221.20/week in 2025/26). A minimum of 10 qualifying years gives entitlement to any state pension.
A year in which you earned enough to pay Class 1 NIC (employed), were self-employed and paid Class 2 NIC, or received NI credits (for caring, unemployment, or other qualifying activities).
Class 3 voluntary contributions: £824.20 for 2025/26. You can also fill gaps in previous years at the rate applicable to that year, though HMRC may apply current year rates for recent years.
Yes, in most cases. A full year costs £824.20 and increases state pension by approximately £6.32/week (£328.64/year). The break-even point is about 2.5 years — very good value.
The deadline to fill gaps back to 2006/07 was extended to 5 April 2025. After this, you can normally only fill the last 6 tax years. Check your NI record promptly.
If you were self-employed in the gap years and have small profits, you may be able to pay Class 2 NIC (£179.40/year, much cheaper than Class 3). This must be approved by HMRC.
NI credits are free qualifying year credits for certain activities: caring for children (Child Benefit), caring for a disabled person, unemployment (JSA), sickness (ESA), and some others.
Check your NI record and state pension forecast at gov.uk via the 'Check your State Pension forecast' service. You'll need a Government Gateway login.
UK nationals abroad who expect to retire in the UK can pay voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 NIC to maintain their state pension entitlement. Reduced rates may apply in some cases.
Yes. You could fill gaps to reach 35 qualifying years (maximising the pension rate) AND defer claiming to boost the weekly amount. The combination can significantly increase retirement income.
No. Full-time education doesn't earn NI credits. However, from age 18, part-time or holiday work may have earned NI credits/contributions. Child Benefit NI credits from age 16 may apply in some cases.
If buying NI years means your state pension exceeds the Pension Credit threshold, your Pension Credit entitlement may be reduced or eliminated. This could make filling gaps less beneficial in some cases.