Overview

You may be able to pay voluntary Class 3 contributions to fill gaps in your National Insurance record to qualify for the State Pension.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record for the past 6 tax years. A tax year ends on 5 April.

For example, you have until 5 April 2030 to pay for gaps for the tax year 2023 to 2024.

If you want to pay voluntary contributions for tax years 2016 to 2017 or 2017 to 2018, you have until 5 April 2025 to pay.

Before you pay

Check if you’re eligible for National Insurance credits - it could mean you do not have to pay.

You can then check your National Insurance record and pension forecast to find out:

  • if you have any gaps
  • if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions
  • if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary contributions
  • how much it will cost
  • if you can pay online

Voluntary contributions do not always increase your State Pension.

If you’ve reached State Pension age, contact the Pension Service to find out if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary contributions.

After you’ve paid

You do not need to contact HMRC to check your payment has been received.

It will appear on your National Insurance record. This can take up to 8 weeks.