UK voluntary contributions in New Zealand
If you are abroad and do not have to pay UK Class 1 or Class 2 contributions, you may wish to think about paying UK voluntary contributions. The leaflet, Social security abroad (NI38), tells you about this.
You must decide for yourself whether to pay UK voluntary contributions whilst living in New Zealand. As a general rule, it may not be worthwhile paying because:
- the New Zealand authorities will deduct the amount of your UK pension from any entitlement to a New Zealand pension; and
- if you return to live in the UK, periods of residence in New Zealand may be treated as periods for which UK contributions were paid to help you qualify for certain benefits.
It may, however, be worth your paying UK voluntary contributions if you intend eventually to live somewhere other than the UK or New Zealand, or if you think that you might wish to claim benefits which are not covered by the agreement.
If you are trying to decide whether or not to pay UK voluntary contributions, see Jobseeker's Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, State Pension and Widow's benefits and bereavement benefits before you decide.
The HMRC Residency will tell you what these arrangements mean for your own social security position.
The New Zealand authorities will tell you what effect paying UK voluntary contributions will have on New Zealand Superannuation. Please see the section Addresses for enquiries about contributions and benefits.
