Key Post UK State Pension - Make voluntary contributions to qualify for UK pension on top of Irish pension

Rules were changed last year, we continue as we are, but the system shows us as self employed.

I posted on this before if anyone wants to find it.
 
Re my post from Thurs this week, ‘Contradiction in letter from HMRC’. I Phoned helpline 8am, verified I qualify for Class 2, the class 3 figures in the Table in the letter appear to be an error on their part, its sent for referral and hope to get revised letter within 2 weeks. I definitely qualify because (1) I was immediately working in the UK prior to leaving in 2024 and (2) have paid 3 or more years NI (not necessarily in a row). I also qualify given I lived in UK for 3 years but it was 20+ years ago, I can prove I owned and sold a property back then. I am only obliged to meet 1 and 2 though. Cannot see how I wouldn’t qualify.
 
CF38 submitted few weeks ago and delivered as per tracking. Can’t get online sorted. I think the problem is my NI No on UK system still has my maiden name. I have tried emailing technical support. What is best number to call for this issue ?
 
I, and many others, have paid into the a/c ending 1004 using Revolut.

Convert the amount payable into sterling within the app first and then proceed to set up the new payee making sure to nominate sterling as the currency you're using.
 
I, and many others, have paid into the a/c ending 1004 using Revolut.

Convert the amount payable into sterling within the app first and then proceed to set up the new payee making sure to nominate sterling as the currency you're using.
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Cheers for the quick response. I'll do that now.
 
One further point that may help. When inputting the account holder name I put HMRC NIC in the first names box, and RECEIPTS in the surname box. The app then verified that that the a/c name and number matches.
 
I don't believe a receipt is issued automatically. I haven't telephoned them as yet to ask for confirmation that they've received my payment.
I have an email and a transaction report from Revolut saved which show that I successfully sent them the money.

I probably will phone them in the next week or so as it can take a little over a year for your online pension forecast to be updated at this stage, although some people have reported a much shorter timeline.
 
Thanks to all of those great contributions so far on this subject. So, here's where I'm at...

- Lived in UK a lifetime ago (late 80s, early 90s) and already have 5 yrs on record
- Was living there for those last three years were in a row, full time employed
- Came back to the auld sod and (apart from a short period) have been in full time employment
- Then went from employee to self employed since early 2000s - to date
- I believe I should be entitled to pay Class 2 contributions
- Sent from CF83 by reg post late last year with cover letter - receipt of which confirmed online
- Online still says I'm Class 3 (I've read other posts about this, so not too worried)
- Online account update still says I won't be processed for another 10 months (same story for most of us)
- I'm ready to make 18 years Class 2 payments ASAP because I believe (hope!) that funds received before deadline will be honoured - even though application is not fully assessed until the paperwork backlog clears
- Going to transfer the 3K quid to that bank account ending 9447 93 (as other posts noted) from my Irish account (not Revolut), using that reference code which includes my NI no. & surname

I would be grateful if any of you can see anything wrong with my logic here or that if I'm missing something?
Thanks @Zobeda for your reply. I would feel better knowing that funds were received for sure with official receipt from HMRC, but I know sending from BOI business a/c will deffo hit UK bank a/c three days max.

Thoughts or warnings, anyone...?
 
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DannyBoyD said:
Have you had a response to your CF83 submission?
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Just on the online gov.uk account where it says Status: Received, and the date. Haven't had an email or written response. When I click into "Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC" it was telling me Nov 2025, but actaully I see now today that's changed to Jan 2026...!

*sorry for delay @DannyBoyD - I've been knobbled into the "potential spammer" one hour posting response because I don't more than 10 posts yet
 
Spoke to a HMRC representative who said that there is currently a 66 week (!) turnaround for mailed in applications to make voluntary contributions, but they will honour applications submitted before the 5th April deadline. BUT there is a little known way to apply online with something like an 8 week turnaround as the online application is faster. Note this is not the online form that you then need to print and post.

1) Log into your government gateway account
2) on the first page there will be an "Ask HMRC a question" button. click on this
3) in the message box, type"CF83" and press enter
4) select 'I'm living abroad'
5) scroll to the very bottom and click on the link to apply to make voluntary contributions via form CF83
6)scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the green 'Start now' button

The rest is pretty straightforward. just make sure you click on the option to apply online.
 
talbot said:
way to apply online
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This is well documented already; some people are struggling with the registration process so manually doing the CF83 is equally valid.

At this stage - all anyone needs to be focussed on is getting that form sent in before the deadline.

Use recorded delivery for anything you post.
 
Thanks for all the advice to date .
Eventually got online sorted and can see my posted form is received and in progress.

In the 18 years since I have left the UK I have been in full time employment for 16 years with a 2 year period of self- employment. Does the self employment period mean I have to pay Class 3?

I need 16 years additional contributions for a full record . What are pros/ cons of buying back all now vs paying each year in the future up to retirement age?
 
talbot said:
BUT there is a little known way to apply online with something like an 8 week turnaround as the online application is faster. Note this is not the online form that you then need to print and post.
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Yes that is what I did and it was about 8 weeks from submitting to being processed and then got my letter about 2 weeks later. It is very easy to do and also you can add in as many previous jobs as you want. You are not restricted to just 5.

But as previously said at this stage getting the form in either this way or via post is the most important thing.
 
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