Updated: 27 December 2025

Voluntary NI Contributions Calculator

Work out whether buying voluntary National Insurance contributions to fill gaps makes financial sense for your situation.

Calculate Cost and Benefit

Enter how many years of gaps you want to fill. Check your NI record first to see which years you can fill.

Most people pay Class 3. Class 2 is cheaper but only available for self-employed or certain abroad situations until April 2026.

When Should You Pay Voluntary Contributions?

You Should Consider It If:

  • You have gaps in your NI record
  • Filling the gap will actually increase your State Pension
  • You're below 35 qualifying years
  • You expect to live long enough to get your money back

Don't Pay If:

  • You already have 35 qualifying years (it won't increase your pension)
  • Your forecast shows filling gaps won't help (e.g., due to contracted-out deductions)
  • You're unlikely to reach the 10-year minimum anyway
  • The gap is too old to fill

Current Rates (2025/26)

Class Weekly Annual Who Can Pay
Class 3 £17.75 £923.00 Most people filling gaps
Class 2 £3.50 £182.00 Self-employed/abroad (until April 2026)
Important Change: From April 2026, Class 2 voluntary contributions will no longer be available for periods spent abroad. Only Class 3 will be available, with a requirement that you lived in the UK for at least 10 years.

Deadlines for Filling Gaps

  • Recent years: Usually can fill gaps from the last 6 tax years
  • Extended deadline: Until 5 April 2025 to fill gaps from April 2006 to April 2017 at 2022/23 rates
  • After the deadline: Can only fill last 6 years at current rates

How to Check If You Should Pay

  1. Check your forecast: Go to gov.uk/check-state-pension
  2. Look for gaps: See which years are incomplete
  3. Check if filling helps: The forecast will tell you if paying will increase your pension
  4. Calculate break-even: Use this calculator to see if it's worthwhile
  5. Decide before the deadline: Especially important for the extended deadline years

Example Scenario

Sarah has 30 qualifying years and 5 gaps she could fill:

  • Cost to fill 5 years: 5 × £923 = £4,615
  • Pension increase: 5 years = £33 per week extra (£1,716/year)
  • Break-even: £4,615 ÷ £1,716 = 2.7 years
  • Decision: If Sarah expects to live 3+ years beyond State Pension age, it's worthwhile

How to Pay

Once you've decided to pay voluntary contributions:

  1. Contact the Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175
  2. Or apply online through your Government Gateway account
  3. They'll tell you which years you can pay for and the cost
  4. You can pay by debit card, bank transfer, or cheque
Always Check First: Before paying voluntary contributions, check your forecast to confirm it will actually increase your State Pension. Some people are surprised to find it makes no difference due to their individual circumstances.

Special Situations

Living Abroad

If you live abroad:

  • You can currently pay Class 2 (cheaper) or Class 3
  • From April 2026, only Class 3 will be available
  • You must have lived in the UK for 10 years to qualify from April 2026

Approaching Retirement

If you're close to State Pension age:

  • Focus on years that will make a difference
  • Consider whether you need to reach 10 years minimum or 35 years maximum
  • Check deadlines carefully

Next Steps