Refund of Voluntary Contributions

Following announcement by Paymaster General on 16 January 2007

Important information

The Pensions Act 2007, which became law on 26 July 2007, makes changes to the UK State Pensions systems. In the main, these changes will only effect you if you reach State Pension age or after 06 April 2010. Before deciding to pay voluntary contributions you are advised to see The Pensions Service website.

The Paymaster General jointly with the Department for Work and Pensions issued a News Release on 16 January 2007 concerning refunds of voluntary contributions. The News Release advised that contributors may be entitled to a refund if they have continued to make voluntary National Insurance contributions since 25 May 2006 but were unaware of the Government’s intention to reduce the number of qualifying years required for a full basic State Pension.

HM Revenue & Customs is now in a position to provide more details about the administrative arrangements for making refunds following the PMG’s announcement. We will make refunds to people who apply for a refund and satisfy the following conditions:-

  • reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010,
  • paid voluntary contributions on or after 25 May 2006 (the date the Pension White Paper was published) but before 26 July 2007 and
  • were not aware of the changes when they paid. This means that at the time they paid they had not received information from HM Revenue & Customs about the changes.

Customers in the UK and paying voluntary Class 2 National Insurance Contributions should apply for a refund by:

  • completing the application form
  • telephoning the Self Employed Contact Centre on 0845 915 4655
  • writing to the National Insurance Contributions Office, Self Employment Services, Benton Park View, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ

Customers in the UK and paying Class 3 National Insurance Contributions should apply for a refund by:

  • completing the application form
  • telephoning the National Insurance Helpline for Individuals on 0845 302 1479
  • writing to National Insurance Contributions Office, Refunds Group,
    Benton Park View, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ.

Customers living outside the UK should apply for a refund by:

  • completing the application form
  • telephoning the Residency Helpline on
    • +44 191 203 7010, if you are calling from abroad or
    • 0845 91 54811, if you are calling from the UK.
  • writing to Charity, Assets and Residence – Residency, BP1301,
    Benton Park View, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ.