Have you topped up a UK pension to cover gaps?

[MattA]

Thanks for the explanation. I've put in a call back request to give me some extra time.

Probably worth submitting CF83 as well. You will not get a response before the deadline but my understanding is that as long as HMRC receive it before then you will be able to back pay to 2006. If you can get approved at class 2 it's a bit of a no brainer to pay as many years as you can (up to the full 35).

 

[kelvedon]

As an aside, the letter was dated 8 February and received today (so 4.5 weeks even stamped 'Prioritaire') showing the slow postal service. Just hope that you don't ever get a 30-day payment demand as it'll be expired by the time the letter is received.

Yes, my letters take a month to arrive. If you look at the post marks you’ll see they use the Netherlands postal service. Presumably cheaper than the Royal Mail and perhaps a legacy of the pre brexit competition rules.

 

[VPS]

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ Seems to have been pushing out a lot of info on pension entitlements recently

 

[VPS]

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips/2025/03/04/

 

[Rebus]

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ Seems to have been pushing out a lot of info on pension entitlements recently

If it hadn't been for them raising awareness of the ability to buy back NI years I would not have known about it. Same for at least 5 others that I know of in Australia.

 

[simong]

(I had a rough idea of months but had I realised about the weeks element I'd have guestimated differently.)

You and me both, LOL! Thanks to everyone for all the advice here, just sent over my Wise transfer for 18 years worth! I guess I will at least log a call with them next week to confirm on receipt of funds as it looks like its a long time before it shows up.

 

[Jleno]

I sent by snail mail the Form CF83 at the end of December and still haven't received a response. So good luck to anyone trying to start that process now.

I just called HMRC (30 min wait time) and they confirmed that my CF83 was received in Jan 2025 but that the estimated processing date is 12 Jan 2026! They say the likelihood is that I won't hear from them until next year but it will not affect my ability to pay catch up contributions (despite the 5 Apr deadline).