Page 1 of 1

UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Tue May 07, 2024 4:30 am
by RetireJapan
So close. I just logged in to see if I could pay online, and you have to lie to do so (say you were not abroad during the time periods in question (if you were abroad, you could be eligible for class 2 payments so need to call them, but I know I am not).

However, the final payment page is coming up as 'experiencing difficulties'. Will keep trying.

(I have three gaps from when HMRC cancelled my direct debits for no reason and need to fill them in)

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 2:04 am
by halfmanhalfsenbei
By "pay online" you mean by credit card? I haven't seen this option, but I was able to make voluntary contributions via UK bank transfer for a hodgepodge collection of years of varying amounts. This is also how I intend to pay going forward.

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 2:20 am
by RetireJapan
halfmanhalfsenbei wrote: Thu May 09, 2024 2:04 am By "pay online" you mean by credit card? I haven't seen this option, but I was able to make voluntary contributions via UK bank transfer for a hodgepodge collection of years of varying amounts. This is also how I intend to pay going forward.
Yes, going through the website without having to call up half a dozen times and speak to some nice people who then don't do what they said they were going to do :roll:

But the website is a bait and switch as well :lol:

Will keep trying.

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 2:26 am
by RetireJapan
Ooooh, update. Just tried again and it kind of worked.

Logged into my UK bank via the HMRC site, and it seems to have worked except I needed my card reader to confirm the transaction (which is at home).

Will try again tonight. Exciting.

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 9:46 am
by TunaSki
Do you know if those who are class 2 can pay online like this? Given that for class 2 the system defaults to class 3 (until it’s paid, then it appears as self employment the same way as class 2)

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 11:58 am
by RetireJapan
TunaSki wrote: Thu May 09, 2024 9:46 am Do you know if those who are class 2 can pay online like this? Given that for class 2 the system defaults to class 3 (until it’s paid, then it appears as self employment the same way as class 2)
Don't think so. I had to lie to get to the payment screen (if you live abroad there's a chance you might be eligible for Class 2 so it makes you call them to check)

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2024 12:17 pm
by Seasider4374
RetireJapan wrote: Thu May 09, 2024 11:58 am Don't think so. I had to lie to get to the payment screen (if you live abroad there's a chance you might be eligible for Class 2 so it makes you call them to check)
So as a Class 2 accepted payer will I need to call every year, for HMRC to assess my situation, before being able to pay my NICs?

Re: UK state pension voluntary contributions online

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2024 12:39 pm
by RetireJapan
Seasider4374 wrote: Tue Jun 25, 2024 12:17 pm
RetireJapan wrote: Thu May 09, 2024 11:58 am Don't think so. I had to lie to get to the payment screen (if you live abroad there's a chance you might be eligible for Class 2 so it makes you call them to check)
So as a Class 2 accepted payer will I need to call every year, for HMRC to assess my situation, before being able to pay my NICs?
No, once you're in the system they'll deduct your premiums by Direct Debit or send you a bill every year.