You can have gaps in your National Insurance record and receive the full new State Pension. You can get a State Pension statement which will tell you how much State Pension you may get. You can also apply for a National Insurance statement from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check if your record has gaps.

What happens if there are gaps in National Insurance contributions?

You can have gaps in your National Insurance record and receive the full new State Pension. You can get a State Pension statement which will tell you how much State Pension you may get. You can also apply for a National Insurance statement from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check if your record has gaps.

How far back can I top up National Insurance contributions?

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year. You have until 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps for the tax year 2016 to 2017. You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

Is it worth topping up NI contributions?

If you’re not getting the full amount or are not on track for it, then it’s worth considering topping up. The cost of doing this is effectively subsidised by the Government which means it can be very good value for money.

Is it worth topping up State Pension?

If you are not on track to get the full amount of State Pension (or you are not receiving the full amount if you have already drawn your State Pension), then it’s worth considering topping up. The amount of State Pension you get is based on your record of National Insurance Contributions (NICs):

What happens if I don’t pay National Insurance self-employed?

You will be penalised by the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for not making payments towards monthly, quarterly or annual PAYE UK taxes, Class 1 National Insurance contributions (NICs), the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) or student loans.

How do I pay my voluntary National Insurance contributions?

If you decide to make a one-off payment of voluntary contributions, or you want to pay quarterly when you get a bill, you’ll need to contact HMRC’s National Insurance office on 0300 200 3500 and ask for an 18-digit reference number.

What happens if you pay more than 35 years National Insurance?

If they have 35 years or more of NI contributions (or credits) they will get the full flat rate pension. If they have fewer years, their pension will be reduced pro rata (so 34 years gives you 34/35 of the full rate and so on) and if they have under 10 years they will get nothing.

How many years of National Insurance contributions do I need?

You need 39 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to get the full amount. You’ll still get something if you have at least 10 qualifying years, but it’ll be less than the full amount. You might qualify for an Additional State Pension, depending on your contributions.

Can I stop paying NI contributions after 35 years?

You stop paying Class 1 and Class 2 contributions when you reach State Pension age – even if you’re still working. You’ll continue paying Class 4 contributions until the end of the tax year in which you reach State Pension age.

Do married couples get separate pension?

No. There’s nothing like a special State Pension for couples. According to current UK State Pension rules, each partner in a marriage or a civil partnership must build up their own State Pension through qualifying years and can’t benefit from their spouse’s State Pension.

Is it illegal not to pay NI?

For most people, it’s against the law not to pay national insurance. Some employers may offer you a job without paying tax or national insurance (known as cash in hand). This is against the law – for both you and your employer – and you should avoid this kind of job.

How much National Insurance do I pay if I’m self-employed?

Most self-employed people pay Class 2 NICs if their profits are at least £6,515 during the 2021–22 tax year. Or £6,725 in the 2022-23 tax year. If you’re over this limit, you’ll pay £3.05 a week, or £158.60 a year for 2021–22 (£3.15 a week or £163.80 a year for 2022-23).