The Pension Check estimates that British people overseas have only a few weeks remaining to fill in the gaps of their National Insurance contribution record by post, as the online service is in testing and still not available for some expats.
The UK Government deadline to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for missing years between 2006 and 2018 is fast approaching – 5th April 2025.
Checking Your Records & Getting the Costs
Checking payable gaps online is simple.
However, the costs you see online will be at Class 3 rates, not the much lower Class 2 contribution rates that you probably qualify for if you’ve been working overseas.
Applying to pay Class 2 voluntary National Insurance contributions from overseas via post is time-consuming, requiring in-depth research of the guidance notes regarding eligibility for each class, and then completing, printing, signing, and posting with supporting documents.
If the online service is available, it requires more extensive information, requiring complete employment details for every year, up to 18 years.
The Pension Check can complete the forms and supporting documents within 24 hours and get you the best chance of filling in the gaps, at the lowest cost.
Considering the additional time for completing the forms and supporting documents, postage to England, and other unforeseen delays, our advisors urge anyone over 35 with gaps in their record to get in touch now and utilise our fast-track State Pension Service.

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