Taking 3 months out and keeping up Nat Insurance contributions?

[Rattytouille]

I have 2 PT jobs. The first is a nightmare, and the second I need to study and train up before I’m given more hours and a pay rise (50% on job 1). Job 1 is taking up a lot of my time and it’s mega stress meaning the studying for job 2 is at a snails pace.

I need to keep up my NI contributions with no gaps in any more years. I’ve bought back 7 years (overseas then SAHM) already so not sure if I can ever buy any more back.

Job 2 has loads of opportunities for me. I’m thinking of quitting job 1, getting my head down for 3 months solidly studying and doing the professional quals for job 2 (I also work there 6 hours paid a week) but I need to know if I can keep up my NI contributions so this year counts towards my state pension. I only need to collect 7 more years and then I’m done for my full state pension in the future (if it’s still a thing then).

How old are you?

How old are you? And are you receiving child benefit for your children or are they adults now? That would count towards your NI contributions. But yes, of course, you can pay in if you want. Just a matter of if you need to and it’s worth it to you.

I am in my 50’s

If you only need 7 more full years and you are in your 50s, can you just work 8 more years (or 7 more years and 3 months, not sure if it only goes on full tax year)?

Yes I could work 7-8 more years but even now I’m experiencing ageism and I’m not banking on someone hiring me when I’m 65. I want to clock it all up before I’m 62. I don’t want any more gaps to catch up on.