Voluntary National Insurance contributions (NICs)

If you receive a Certificate of Small Earnings Exception (SEE), you can still pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily to keep your entitlement to some benefits. Before you decide to pay voluntary NICs, you should get information about your State Pension entitlement, including the number of qualifying years you have to date. To do this:

• go to State Pension calculator on GOV.UK
• if you live in the UK phone the Pension service on 0845 3000 168. For customers who are deaf or speech impaired 0845 3000 169 (textphone).

Women who hold a Certificate of SEE should get advice from Jobcentre Plus about entitlement to Maternity Allowance before paying Class 2 NICs voluntarily. If you hold a SEE certificate and pay NICs voluntarily you will only receive the Lower Rate of Maternity Allowance.