UK Pension Form CF83 - Check Both Class 2 and 3 Boxes?

[merrydown]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post, and I'd like to start by saying thank you to everyone who contributes to this site. It has been really helpful and given me the motivation to sort out my financial security for the future.

So, like any good UK citizen should, I've started filling out my application to pay NI contributions from abroad. The form seems clear enough. I'd like to apply for class 2 first as it's such a good deal - although I suspect I might not meet the requirements, but you never know!

Before I send off my application, my question is:

if I check the class 2 box and my application is then refused, do they automatically offer class 3 contributions instead (I should be elligible)? I know how long the process can take, so I'd hate to go through it all over again to apply for class 3.

Or should I just check both boxes?

I would ask HMRC for information, but I've asked before and it's taken months to get a reply!

[RetireJapan]

I think when I did it, I applied for Class 2, they said I was ineligible, then I successfully applied for Class 3 with a new form.

When they accidentally stopped my direct debit (there's a post on the blog with the details) I contacted them multiple times and eventually was told to just reapply again with the same form -this worked.

So if in doubt, just send the form in I think.

[adamu]

Just apply for Class 2. If you die before it all gets sorted out, it's a moot point.

[merrydown]

Just apply for Class 2. If you die before it all gets sorted out, it's a moot point.

True. Unless we get to enjoy HMRC hell on the other side...

Ok, thanks for that! I'll get cracking with the class 2 application. Let you know how it goes in the new year?

[KyushuWoozy]

I would ask HMRC for information, but I've asked before and it's taken months to get a reply!

Next time, calling may be a better option. I've called multiple times and never had to hold longer than 15-20 minutes.

[Beaglehound]

If you tick the box for class 2 and they find you ineligible I think they are supposed to offer you the option to pay class 3 in their reply. Maybe enclose a note asking them specifically to do that?

[merrydown]

Thanks for your advice everyone!

[Spa06Jc]

If you tick the box for class 2 and they find you ineligible I think they are supposed to offer you the option to pay class 3 in their reply. Maybe enclose a note asking them specifically to do that?

Good idea with the note. My initial application was quite definitively rejected for class 2 and I wasn't given any further information. Even when I phoned up afterwards, there was no mention that I could be eligible for class 3 and I was simply told that I could appeal if I wanted. As mentioned in another post, I did this, and waited almost a year for a reply which DID suggest class 3 could be an option. Still waiting on a reply to my latest correspondence there (and probably will be for a while!)

Good luck!

[merrydown]

If you tick the box for class 2 and they find you ineligible I think they are supposed to offer you the option to pay class 3 in their reply. Maybe enclose a note asking them specifically to do that?

Good idea with the note. My initial application was quite definitively rejected for class 2 and I wasn't given any further information. Even when I phoned up afterwards, there was no mention that I could be eligible for class 3 and I was simply told that I could appeal if I wanted. As mentioned in another post, I did this, and waited almost a year for a reply which DID suggest class 3 could be an option. Still waiting on a reply to my latest correspondence there (and probably will be for a while!)

Good luck!

Quick update... I received a letter last week from HMRC confirming I was eligible for class 3 payments. Following the suggestions above (thank you!), I had checked the box for class 2 only, and I also provided a short note requesting class 3 if the class 2 application was denied.

So, as I expected, I now have the option to pay class 3 payments each year. I also have the option to make up several years back payments. Question is do I make those back payments? By coincidence, the number of years I need to pay in to get a full pension is the exact number of years I have left until my retirement age. I don't anticipate returning to the UK any time soon, but you never know.

One back payment I will make is for 200 pounds for an incomplete year. I'd like to pay that off, and it has been explained how to send money to HMRC. But I can't see anywhere to specify exact years that you'd like to pay off. Anyone have experience with that? Have you sent them a small amount and HMRC pay off the appropriate year? Or have you had to chase them up by phone to make sure the cheapest year has been paid off first? Thanks again.

[Bushiman]

I also have the option to make up several years back payments. Question is do I make those back payments?

Sure! If you have the funds, why not?
Those previous 7yrs were probably cheaper than anything you'll have to pay in the future... You could save a good sized chunk of money... Plus, you've secured more years...
See this post about pack-paying Class 3, and how the fees changed over time...

Regarding paying for individual years, no. I paid a lump sum for the maximum 12years I was allowed to...