Voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions

Your State Pension and some other benefits depend on how many qualifying years of National Insurance you have. If you have gaps — from time abroad, low earnings, or a period not working — paying voluntary contributions can fill them and protect what you're entitled to later.

GOV.UK's current figures for 2026/27 are Class 3 at £18.40 a week, compared with Class 2 at £3.65 a week for the self-employed. You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution, though paying for a recent previous year can use that year's own rate instead.

Class 2 and Class 4 for the self-employed →

Normally you can pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years, with a deadline of 5 April each year. GOV.UK currently gives an extended deadline of 5 April 2032 specifically to make up gaps for the 2025/26 tax year, so it's worth checking your record now rather than assuming the usual 6-year window applies to every gap.

This is most relevant if you've had periods of self-employment below the small-profits threshold, time spent caring for family, time abroad, or gaps from unemployment. Checking your National Insurance record before deciding whether to pay is sensible — not every gap actually affects your eventual pension.

Whether you need to file Self Assessment at all →

Paying voluntarily is not always worth it — it depends on your existing record and how many qualifying years you already have. Check your position with HMRC's own forecast before paying, so you don't pay for a year that wouldn't actually increase your pension.

We prepare and file Self Assessment returns for directors, sole traders and landlords, and tell you exactly what is due and when before anything is submitted. Call 0114 327 1480.

Our Self Assessment service →