Shortfall in national insurance contributions

Sparkle1984

On Friday I received a letter from the Inland Revenue saying I have a shortfall in my national insurance contributions for the tax year 2003 to 2004. I was a full time university student then, but I had 2 part-time jobs earning a total of £3890 a year. I had a student loan as well.
They are asking me if I want to pay a voluntary contribution of £300, to make that year count towards my pension.

Have any other full-time students (or people who were students during that tax year) had this letter sent to them? I was surprised they don't make allowances for the fact that someone was studying full time.

Reply 1

chupacabras

University doesn't count. You are only credited with NI contributions in education up to 18, after that it's up to you to pay them up to the maximum yourself. You are given 5 years lee-way though and you can still get 100% pension as long as you don't miss out on more than 5 years. I also believe you have upto 6 years to pay them.