Voluntary National Insurance
Check which National Insurance contributions you can pay
This table explains who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.
| Your situation | Which class to pay |
|---|---|
| Employed but earning under £123 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3 |
| Self-employed with a gross income of £1,000 or less | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards State Pension and different benefits |
| Self-employed with a gross income over £1,000 but with profits of less than £6,725 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards State Pension and different benefits |
| Both employed and self-employed, with low earnings and small profits | Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check if you have a gap and how much you need to pay |
| Self-employed as an examiner, minister of religion, landlord or in an investment business | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits |
| Unemployed and not claiming benefits or getting National Insurance credits | Class 3 |
If you live or work abroad (or have previously)
To pay Class 2 or Class 3 voluntary contributions you must have either:
- previously lived in the UK for 3 years in a row
- paid contributions or had Class 2 contributions treated as having been paid for at least 3 years
To pay Class 2 voluntary contributions both of the following must also apply:
- you worked in the UK immediately before leaving
- you’re currently working abroad (or you worked while you were abroad)
Between November 2017 and April 2019, HMRC’s guidance was incorrect. It said all these conditions must be true. If you did not apply or your application was refused because of the incorrect guidance, you may be able to pay at the original rates. Explain your situation when you apply.
If you’re over State Pension age
| Your situation | Which class to pay |
|---|---|
| You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3 and Class 2 if you’re eligible |