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    Can I top up my NI contributions even though I am already retired?

    12 December 2024

    Question by Boring Money reader

    Hi,

    I retired at 55 in 2012 with an enhanced pension to 60. I'm now 67. I spoke with what is now Future Pensions and added missing years to my NI contributions a few years after retiring, but was told not to add anything before 2016 due to contracting out rules.

    It seems this 'might' have changed and I could top up my missing years between 2012 and 2016 (I could add 4 years to max my State Pension and gamble I would live long enough - about 3-4 years).

    My problem is no-one at HMRC pensions has enough knowledge to tell me if this is correct or not and I can't ring Future Pensions because I'm already claiming my State Pension.

    Could anyone clarify for me please?

    Answered by Boring Money

    Hi there,

    Thank you for your question.

    While you may be able to make further voluntary NI contributions, the government-run MoneyHelper service cautions that there is a looming deadline which will impact anyone looking to plug gaps in their record from more than six years ago:

    "If you decide voluntary contributions are right for you, you have until 5 April 2025 to pay for any gaps dating back to April 2006. From 6 April 2025, you’ll only be able to fill gaps in the last six tax years".[1]

    You also noted that you’re over State Pension age so Future Pensions are not able to advise you. However, retired individuals can still get advice on the matter by contacting the government's Pension Service here.

    We hope this helps point you in the right direction!

    ---

    [1] GOV.UK, December 2024

    Answered by

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