Voluntary National Insurance: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to fill gaps in your National Insurance record to increase your future pension entitlement through voluntary contributions.
Voluntary National Insurance allows you to make extra payments to cover periods where you did not pay into the system. This can help you increase the amount of money you receive in your state pension.
Who it's for
This scheme is for anyone who has gaps in their National Insurance record. If there are periods of time where you were not contributing, you may be able to pay to fill those spaces.
What you get
By making these payments, you gain the ability to top up your state pension entitlement. This helps ensure you have a higher level of financial support when you reach retirement age.
What it costs you
Paying into this scheme involves a cost. Class 3 contributions cost £17.45 per week.
The catch to know
Before you spend any money, you should check your official record on the government portal. Some gaps in your history may be cheaper to fill than others, so it is important to verify your specific situation first.
How to apply
- Log in to the official government portal to view your National Insurance record.
- Identify any specific gaps that you wish to fill.
- Follow the instructions on the portal to make your voluntary payments.
https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions