This leaflet is for people who have not paid enough contributions to qualify for basic Retirement Pension or Widows' benefits. It explains how you can pay voluntary 'Class 3' contributions to improve your contribution record and help you qualify for these benefits. There are six classes of contributions, and in the course of your working life you may need to change from one class to another, or you may have to pay more than one class at the same time.
Some contributions count towards certain benefits.
Sometimes, your right to them can be protected even if you cannot pay contributions. These are normally paid by self-employed people in addition to Class 2 contributions. Class 4 contributions do not count towards benefit.