Still not sold on the UK state pension

[Max]

Under current rules, for Class 2 you would pay a total of 6,279 pounds for an annual pension of 11,502 pounds for the rest of your life. For Class 3 you would pay a total of 31,759 pounds for the same annual pension.

I am not eligible to pay Class 2, but for me at least Class 3 is an excellent investment that will likely diversify my income in retirement and provide me with an income floor regardless of where I am living.

Class 2 is so close to free money that I can't think of a single reason for someone not to pay it.

Does anyone know the factors which (dis)qualify you for Class 2 contributions?

[RetireJapan]

Does anyone know the factors which (dis)qualify you for Class 2 contributions?

The one that disqualifies me is that I was not working in the UK immediately prior to leaving (I came here straight from uni).

But the easiest way to find out is just to apply for Class 2 and see what they say

[Max]

Thanks. When I wrote that I was, and still, am on the line to HMRC after running into a roadblock on the website. It's been 29 minutes so far...

[Max]

Thanks. When I wrote that I was, and still, am on the line to HMRC after running into a roadblock on the website. It's been 29 minutes so far...

...and just as I was preparing to hang up at the half-hour mark, someone picked up!

[adamu]

Does anyone know the factors which (dis)qualify you for Class 2 contributions?

Class 2 and Class 3 voluntary contributions

[Wales4rugbyWC23]

Under current rules, for Class 2 you would pay a total of 6,279 pounds for an annual pension of 11,502 pounds for the rest of your life. For Class 3 you would pay a total of 31,759 pounds for the same annual pension.

I am not eligible to pay Class 2, but for me at least Class 3 is an excellent investment that will likely diversify my income in retirement and provide me with an income floor regardless of where I am living.

Class 2 is so close to free money that I can't think of a single reason for someone not to pay it.

Does anyone know the factors which (dis)qualify you for Class 2 contributions?

I think the late Mystic Meg might have had a better understanding if you qualify for class 2 or not. Saying that if you do get class 2. I really do think you have won the lottery.

[Max]

Yeah, it does seem a bit arbitrary, but on paper I think I have a decent chance of qualifying for Class 2. Fingers crossed.

[beanhead]

Yeah, it does seem a bit arbitrary, but on paper I think I have a decent chance of qualifying for Class 2. Fingers crossed.

Good luck.
I felt like I had won the jackpot when I got the Class 2 letter and the amount I could backpay to get 15 years worth of contributions.
Full UK pension and a partial Japanese one (kosei nenkin) should prove handy in retirement.