Voluntary National Insurance

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How and when to pay

If you live in the UK, find out how to:

If you live or work outside the UK

If you live or work abroad (or have previously), find out what you need to do before paying voluntary National Insurance contributions.

Deadlines

You can only pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

For example, you have until 5 April 2031 to make up gaps for the tax year 2024 to 2025.

You may have previously been able to pay for gaps going back more than 6 years - the deadline to pay was 5 April 2025.

You can read guidance or get help to decide if you should pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps.

Getting help

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Plan your retirement income: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check when you can retire

    1. Check what age you can get your State Pension
    2. Find out about working after you reach State Pension age
    3. Find out if you can retire early with your workplace or personal pension

  2. and Check how much pension you could get

    1. Find out how much State Pension you could get (your forecast)

    You may also be paying into a:

    1. Find out if you’ll pay tax on your pension
    2. Find contact details for a lost pension

  3. Step 2 Increase your pension

    You might be able to increase the amount you get if you delay your pension.

    1. Find out about delaying your pension

    You might be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record (such as, from when you were not working or claiming benefits).

    1. Check if you can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions

    For advice about increasing your workplace or private pension, speak to a financial adviser.

    1. Find a financial adviser through Unbiased

  4. Step 3 Check what other financial support you could get

    Check what financial help you could get if you:

    You can also get free bus travel if you:

  5. Step 4 Decide when to retire

    1. Get advice on planning your pension and deciding when to retire