When you can opt out of paying contributions
If you’re over a certain age and have fully retired from work, you can opt out of paying contributions.
The age at which you can choose to stop paying your contributions is linked to your pension age.
You can find out what age you can stop paying contributions by checking your pension age.
Check your pension age
How to apply to opt out of paying contributions
You’ll need to complete the application form below.
Apply to opt out of paying contributions
How benefits are affected when you opt out
Choosing not to pay contributions any more affects your entitlement to contributory benefits, such as:
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Short Term Incapacity Allowance
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Long Term Incapacity Allowance
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a pension
We strongly advise that before opting out of paying, you talk to us to make sure that you fully understand how your rights to benefits may be affected.
Changes in circumstances
If you start work again, even part-time, you should talk to us as soon as possible about starting to pay your contributions again.
You can’t back-pay contributions to cover any time that you decided not to pay contributions.