HMRC has changed the rules for voluntary National Insurance. The cheap Class 2 rate ended on 5 April 2026, so everyone topping up — including existing Class 3 payers with fewer than 10 years living in the UK — must submit a fresh application by April 2027 to keep buying years.
Miss it, and you lose the ability to buy any more years (but there’s no impact to the years you already bought)
If you originally worked in the UK for 10+ years, you can ReApply easily before April 2027.
However, if you leave it until after April 2027, you will need to do a full fresh application to pay voluntary National Insurance Contributions into the future.
Natasha Gallagher - Irish
"I recommend XtraPension for taking out all the hassle for claiming back my English pension. I was able to get 10 years because of XtraPension, and such an easy process. I would definitely recommend them."
Valery Walsh - Irish
"Thank you so much, XtraPension, for securing me my UK state pension top up. Really appreciate all your help and reassurance throughout the process. Couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, a mill."
