Frequently Asked
Questions

Directly from your bank to HMRC. XtraPension does NOT handle payments to HMRC, but we guide you every step of the way.

The UK Government announced 2 big changes for people outside the UK, from 6 April 2026:

• No more cheap Class 2 for future years. For tax years from April 2026 onwards, you can only buy years at the standard Class 3 rate.
• 10 years needed for future years. If you want to start topping up your UK State pension entitlement, you now need 10 years in a row living in the UK, or 10 years of UK National Insurance paid in total. Previously, you only needed 3.

Past years up to 5 April 2026 are NOT affected. You can still buy them at Class 2 (if you qualify) or Class 3 under the old 3 year rule.

Here’s a video explaining these changes

If you live abroad, every 4 weeks or every 13 weeks. It can't be paid weekly.

You can still buy all the past years HMRC offers you at the cheap Class 2 rate (if you qualify) – even if HMRC's reply arrives after April 2026. Future years from April 2026 are at the Class 3 rate for everyone. You can keep buying them under the old 3 year rule if you meet HMRC's conditions.

You can buy up to 6 past years at the cheap Class 2 rate (if you qualify) or otherwise Class 3 – even if HMRC's reply arrives after April 2026. Future years from April 2026 are at the Class 3 rate. You can keep buying them under the old 3 year rule if you meet HMRC's conditions (see below).

HMRC calls this 'transitional protection'. You must reapply to HMRC by 5 April 2027 and all 3 of these must be true:

• You applied to pay for 2024/25 or 2025/26 on or before 5 April 2026.
• You pay for those years by 5 April 2027.
• You apply to pay Class 3 for 2026/27 by 5 April 2027.

This protection ends if you move back to live or work in the UK. If you're not sure where you stand, contact us.

Sure – See common scenarios here

Yes. There are 2 parts:

• Past years: If you lived in the UK for 3 years in a row, or paid 3+ years of UK National Insurance, you can buy up to 6 past years at the cheaper Class 2 rate if you qualify, otherwise Class 3.
• Future years: Only if you have 10 UK years. The years you buy will be at the Class 3 rate.

Not for past years. With 3+ UK years you can still buy up to 6 past years before April 2026. For example, 4 original UK working years + 6 past years = 10 years – the minimum for any UK State Pension. You cannot buy future years.

People who work most of their lives in Europe / USA etc can also get a pro-rata UK state Pension if they have LESS than 10 years of UK contributions when they reach UK state Pension age (so the official UK 10 year minimum can be very confusing)

Note: Voluntary years you pay from abroad, and Juvenile Credits, do NOT count towards the 10 years needed to be able to buy future years.

You can't pay Class 2 for 2026/2027 or any later year. You can reapply by 5 April 2027 to buy Class 3 for future years if you meet the transitional conditions above or have 10 UK years. HMRC has said they will contact you (or XtraPension on your behalf).

Only if you compare it to the bargain basement Class 2 cost. Class 3 is what UK residents have always paid. Buying Class 3 years is "one of the best returns you'll ever get" says Martin Lewis CBE, UK financial journalist.

Over a typical 20 year retirement:

• A Class 2 year gives you back €38 for every €1 you pay in – GUARANTEED.
• A Class 3 year gives you back €7.50 for every €1 you pay in – GUARANTEED.
• A medium-risk private pension typically gives €4 for every €1 – NOT guaranteed.
• A high-risk private pension typically gives €5 for every €1 – NOT guaranteed.

You don't have to pay the past years in one lump sum – you can spread the cost. You could also buy a future year every 2 or 3 years, but you'd lose out on some State Pension income. You can't pay for future years in advance, as the price rises slightly each year with inflation (as does your State Pension). Note: years more than 2 tax years back are charged at today's rate, and if you're relying on the transitional rules you must pay for 2024/25 or 2025/26 by 5 April 2027.

An optional annual service (€125 / year). It keeps you up to date on UK State Pension changes, reminds you what to pay HMRC and when, and helps with any questions about your UK State Pension. We contact all HMRC-approved XtraPension clients every March to offer it.

To get any UK State Pension you need at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions. A full UK State Pension usually needs 35 qualifying years

You pay us to ask HMRC – in the right way, with the right evidence – if you can pay voluntary National Insurance for past years and, if eligible, future years. If HMRC say 'YES', you choose whether to pay HMRC directly. We are not involved in your payment to HMRC. This gets you an extra pension on top of any other pension or income you have. If HMRC say 'NO', you get a full refund (see Refunds).

It depends on which years you want to buy:

• Past years (up to April 2026): You need 3 years in a row living in the UK, or 3 years of National Insurance paid. (1 UK year + 2 years in Europe straight after, or 2 UK years + 1 year in Europe, also counts)
• Future years (from April 2026): You need 10 years in a row living in the UK, or 10 years of UK National Insurance paid in total (which can be from two or more different working periods).

"Europe" means an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland or Turkey. If you're unsure what you paid, check your National Insurance record.

Maybe. You may have paid enough National Insurance in your partial 3rd year for it to count as a full year. Check your National Insurance record or just apply anyway. If HMRC say no, you get a full refund.

You might. Part-time work can still count under the 3 year rule. Check your National Insurance record first.

Possibly. These would be at the Class 3 rate.

No.

Probably yes. Check with our Am I Eligible? tool. Check eligibility

Current UK rates are shown here

• Class 2 (past years only): approx. £189 per year.
• Class 3: £956 per year for 2026/27.

Use our Am I Eligible? tool for an estimate. Check eligibility

Future years are always Class 3. For past years, you can pay the cheaper Class 2 if you worked in the UK just before leaving AND worked abroad after leaving. Otherwise it's Class 3. HMRC's assessment gives the final answer.

Class 2 pays for itself within approx. 7 months of State Pension age. Class 3 pays for itself within approx. 3 years.

Probably yes for the years you were working abroad. Years with no work abroad will likely be Class 3. Ideally there should be no gap, and the exact months matter, so get your dates right.

Yes. Each extra year adds 1/35 of the full UK State Pension - approx. £358 a year currently for life. Without it, you'd only get 10/35 of the full pension.

If you die before State Pension age, you get nothing back.

If you die shortly after starting to get your UK pension, you may not get back what you paid.

You should also avoid getting a UK State Pension if you’re on a NON-CONTRIBUTORY State Pension where you live now as you may lose this local entitlement.

Yes. You don't have to pay for every year. Pick the ones that help you most – ideally the cheaper Class 2 years first.

Either. You can pay all past years at once or spread them out, as long as each year is paid by HMRC's deadline.

No. Once paid, voluntary contributions are not refundable. However, if you paid for Class 3 years when you were actually entitled to the cheaper Class 2 rate, you can appeal paid appeal and get a refund of the difference.

Yes. But if you tick a wrong box, can't remember dates or UK addresses, or miss HMRC's reply or payment deadline, you can lose out. One mistake and our service has paid for itself. We take away the hassle and make it simple.

No. Helping you apply to HMRC to pay voluntary National Insurance isn't financial or investment advice, so it isn't a regulated activity. We don't give financial advice. For private pensions, we work with regulated advisers in your country.

You get a full refund if:

• You cancel within 30 days of registering and before you approve your application documents, or
• HMRC/DWP confirm you can't pay Class 2 OR Class 3 – after our appeal (if needed) is rejected.

You do NOT get a refund if:

• HMRC approve you for Class 2 or Class 3, even if you then decide not to pay.
• HMRC send the approval to you directly, or you also applied yourself or through someone else.
• Problems arise because your information was wrong, incomplete or didn't match HMRC's records.
• HMRC are slow or make admin errors – unless they finally confirm you're not eligible.

HMRC/DWP often reject applications in error. We appeal these in writing as part of our service. Appeals can take 15+ months.

Pension Keeper: Full refund within 7 days of purchase if you haven't logged in. No refund once you log in or after 7 days. You can cancel any time to stop renewals.

No. We only accept Visa or Mastercard debit/credit cards. This is the safest way to buy anything online, as you're protected by their Zero Liability policies.

Yes – but only years from April 2020 up to the date you reached State Pension age. This window moves forward every April: from 6 April 2027 it starts at April 2021. Check your State Pension age here.

For example, if you reached State Pension age in 2022, you can buy 2 years (2020/21 and 2021/22). If you reached it before April 2020, it's too late to buy any years. This applies to men born after 5 April 1951 and women born after 5 April 1953.

If you have 8 or 9 UK years, buying 1 or 2 years to reach the 10 year minimum makes huge sense particularly if you’re OUTSIDE EUROPE/USA. HMRC usually passes these applications to DWP. Your pension is then backdated once your record is updated.

Yes, if the years are before your State Pension age (see above).

Only gaps in the last 6 tax years can be filled. Older gaps can't. Caring and family gaps are usually at the Class 3 rate.

Yes, if you meet the rules above. Self-employment abroad counts as working abroad for Class 2 (years up to 2025/26).

They may, but the rules are complex. We'll check this as part of your application.

If you worked before April 2016, you may have been contracted out (almost all NHS, council and teaching staff were). Check your State Pension forecast – it will show a 'Contracted Out Pension Equivalent'. Then apply as normal and HMRC's assessment will clarify things.

Report any abuse of your National Insurance number to HMRC. If an employer kept using your number after you left, it could actually help you now. Get your old number, check your National Insurance record, then apply to fill any gaps.

You must have it to apply. 5 options:

• Chat: Ask HMRC Online and "speak to adviser". If you pass security, they post your NINO to you (10+ days).
• Phone: Call +44 191 203 7010. They won't tell you the number on the phone, but will post it to you (10+ days).
• Visit: A Jobs & Benefits Office in Northern Ireland or the UK. Bring 2 forms of ID incl. a passport (10 mins + travel).
• Online: With a Government Gateway account and a non-UK passport (30 mins). Only if you're good with computers. Ladies: if HMRC have your maiden name, call them first to update it, then wait 2 weeks.
• Post: Send HMRC form CA5403 – twice, as post often gets lost (6–10 weeks).

Best times to chat or call: 8–9am or 5–6pm (UK time). Have details of where you lived and worked in the UK ready.

Yes. Just walk in – do NOT book, as their booking system needs a NINO. You don't need to have worked in Northern Ireland. They can usually find records from 1976. Offices near the border include Armagh, Enniskillen, Kilkeel, Foyle (Derry), Newry and Omagh. Map + full list

No. You need a full NINO. To get one, sign and post this letter to HMRC with copies of any old P60s or payslips and your current passport. Allow 8 weeks. Keep copies and resend after 10 weeks if you hear nothing.

Proof you paid social insurance / social security / superannuation abroad since April 2020 (or since you left the UK, if later). If you worked back and forth, get it from every country you worked in. Sample statements: USA, Ireland, Australia, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, South Africa, Canada

In Ireland: Log in to MyWelfare.ie and request a 'PRSI Contributions Statement'. You'll get an email in approx. 24 hours. Download it and reply to our 'Welcome to XtraPension' email with it attached.

No MyWelfare account? Call 0818 690 690 (option 4) with your PPSN and ask them to post a PRSI statement (1 week). Then send us a clear, non-blurred scan.

All employer names and addresses, with start and end dates, since you left the UK. Your dates must match your social insurance statement. If you were self-employed, the statement is usually enough. If you had several jobs, list them in date order using our Worksheet.

It's useful if you worked part-time, moved jobs a lot, were self-employed, studied, were contracted out, or aren't sure an employer paid for you. Check it with a free Government Gateway account – no UK passport needed. Note: the record can be misleading for people outside the UK.

No. It's based on UK residents and is often wrong for people abroad. It's only useful if you were contracted out. Your National Insurance record is more useful.

Until 2010, many people were automatically given ‘Juvenile Credits’ for the tax years of their 16th, 17th and 18th birthdays. If you came to the UK after those years, HMRC may remove these credits later, even if they still show on your record. Credits also don't count towards the 10 years needed to buy future years.

We submit your application within a few days of getting your signed documents. HMRC then typically take 8–12 months to reply.

None. Your National Insurance Number is your ID for this.

They need proof (your statement). They also share data with tax authorities in most major countries.

HMRC usually receive and allocate your payment within 8 weeks. Your National Insurance record can then take a further 12+ months to update. Don't worry – your payment has not been lost.

HMRC look after your National Insurance record. DWP (Dept for Work & Pensions) pay your State Pension. If you're within a year of State Pension age, HMRC may pass your application to DWP.

Your most recent wedding date.

Use Google Maps and Postcode Finder.

No. DWP and HMRC never call from +447 numbers. Don't answer or call back. If you're over 66, have already started claiming your UK State Pension and got a call from another UK number, call DWP on +44 191 218 7777 to check.

Contact us and we'll help.

The full new State Pension amount is shown here - It rises every April.

At least 10 years for any UK State Pension, and 35 years for the full amount. In between, you get a share. For example, 11 years = 11/35 of the full pension, approx. £3,944 (€4,700) a year.

It replaced the old basic and additional State Pension in April 2016. It's for men born on or after 6 April 1951 and women born on or after 6 April 1953. It's a single flat-rate pension based on your own qualifying years.

Between 66 and 68, depending on your date of birth. Check yours here. You can start your claim up to 4 months before, but payment starts at State Pension age.

No.

Yes – in any country (Ireland, Spain, Australia, Thailand, India, anywhere). It can be paid into a bank in the country you live in or a UK bank, in your name, a joint name or someone else's.

Yes, every year under the 'triple lock' (the highest of earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%). But in some countries, mainly in the Commonwealth (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa), it is 'frozen' at the amount you first get. See the Frozen Pension list. If you move back to the UK, it is unfrozen.

Probably. It's taxed like any other income, under the rules of where you live.

Yes. Your pension goes up by approx. 5.8% for each full year you defer (minimum 9 weeks).

Yes, by up to 12 months if you claim after State Pension age.

Yes. Your earnings don't affect your UK State Pension, but you'll pay tax on both. You stop paying UK National Insurance at State Pension age.

Yes – your own country's State Pension, a private or workplace pension, the Australian Age Pension, NZ Super, etc. They are separate. You can even pay into 2 State Pension systems for the same years – that's what this opportunity allows.

It depends where you live. In the EU and USA, usually no. In New Zealand, the part from voluntary contributions is not deducted. In Australia, the Age Pension is means-tested. Australia information / New Zealand information

No. Each system is separate. But your UK years can help you qualify for an Irish or European contributory pension, and this does not reduce your UK pension.

Yes. But all pension income is taxed as normal.

Usually yes. It depends on the tax and reporting rules in each country.

No. The new State Pension is based only on your own National Insurance record. You can't use your partner's contributions, and it can't be shared if you divorce.

Generally no. In rare cases a small amount may be inherited.

No. But you can receive it in any country.

Possibly, if the new scheme is a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). We partner with regulated financial advisers in your country who can advise you.

No. It's based on your National Insurance record, not your nationality.

Yes. Many of our clients left the UK decades ago and thought they'd get nothing.

Yes. But any UK Government wants to be re-elected, so the rules for your UK State Pension must also apply to UK voters at home. You may see tweaks, but you'll still get your entitlement.

No-one knows. But if you've paid enough to qualify for both a UK and your own country's State Pension, you would very likely get both.

There are 6: Class 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 3 and 4. Only Class 2 and 3 matter for voluntary contributions from abroad.

Whether you're a British ex-pat or an Aussie who worked in the UK, this applies to you if you meet the UK rules. Your UK State Pension is taxed with your Australian income and is 'frozen'. The Age Pension is means-tested.

Whether you're a British ex-pat or a Kiwi who did 'The Big OE', this applies to you if you meet the UK rules. Since 9 November 2020, the part of your UK State Pension from voluntary contributions is NOT deducted from NZ Super. Just send MSD the HMRC letter showing that amount. NZ Govt info

The rules are the same as anywhere else. Whether you're a British ex-pat or an American who worked in the UK, this applies to you if you meet the UK rules.

No. WEP was abolished in January 2025 by the Social Security Fairness Act. Your UK State Pension no longer reduces your US Social Security, so topping up is now even better value for people in the USA.

You're probably eligible, and your own CONTRIBUTORY State Pension is usually not reduced. Time worked in Europe straight after leaving the UK can also help you qualify for past years.