British Expats in NZ: Should You Top Up Your UK State Pension?

If you’re a British expat in NZ, you might be wondering about topping up your UK pension. First, let’s clear this up: we’re talking State Pension here—the one from the UK government based on your National Insurance (NI) years. This isn’t about private pensions (like workplace or personal plans)—those are separate and not connected. For private pension advice, reach out to us for personalised advice. Now, onto the State Pension!

What’s It About?

The UK State Pension needs 10 NI years for any payout (e.g., £63/week), 35 for the full £221/week. NZ years with no NI can be topped up—and here’s the win: Work and Income says voluntary top-ups don’t cut your NZ Super. It’s extra cash!  However your chance to top up prior years is about to be lost in the next few weeks and you could lose a chance to gain a big benefit for yourself.  

How Much Does It Cost?

• Class 3 National Insurance  - £907/year.

  • For anyone with some UK work history not eligible for class 2. (I will leave class 2 out of the picture except to say it is hard to be eligible as you need to have been self employed with low profit, but is a lot lower cost)
    

What Do You Get?

1. 1 Year: Adds £6.30/week (£328/year).

2. 10 Years: Adds £63/week (£3,276/year) 10 years is just an example. You can top up whatever years there are NI gaps
   

 Big Picture: Assuming You Claim for 14 years

1. 1 Year: £6.30/week × 52 × 14 = £4,592 total (costs £179 Class 2 or £907 Class 3).

2. 10 Years: £63/week × 52 × 14 = £45,920 total (costs £1,790 Class 2 or £9,070 Class 3).

3. Tiny cost, huge State Pension boost!
   

Worth It?

1. Staying in NZ: Yes! £9,070 (Class 3) for £45,920 over 10 years pays off.

2. Back to UK: Better still—your State Pension rises with inflation there.

3. Not for all—if you’ve got 35 years already, check first!
   

Deadline Alert

You’ve got until April 5, 2025 to top up years back to 2006 (e.g., NZ time)—that’s 16 years’ worth! After that, you’re stuck with just the last 6 years. This chance won’t come again—those early gaps (like 2006-2019) are gone in a few weeks. Act now because processing can be slow.

How to Do It

1. Check Online: www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record—use your NI number (old payslips or call HMRC if lost). See UK years and NZ gaps.

2. Pay Online: Same site, pick years, pay by card. Class 2? Call HMRC (+44 191 218 7777) to confirm self-employed status (expect delays)—otherwise, Class 3.

3. Or Phone: HMRC can sort it—call if online’s a hassle.

Final Thoughts

1. This is State Pension only—private pensions? Contact us for personal advice.

2. Small cost now, big State Pension win if you live for 14 years after claiming (and a win if you live 4 years or more) —check your record, pay by April 2025. Don’t miss out, as this opportunity will be gone soon!