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HMRC letter codes · National Insurance (CA)

CF83Pay voluntary National Insurance for periods abroad

Last reviewed 14 October 2026 · How Tax Letters checks its facts

In short

GOV.UK's CF83 page says you can apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad to fill gaps in your National Insurance record.

“You can apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad to fill gaps in your National Insurance record.”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

Information, not advice: this page reports what HMRC, GOV.UK and the bodies named publish about CF83. Each fact has its source and the day it was checked beside it.

When HMRC sends it

GOV.UK's CF83 page says that if your application is approved, HMRC will write to tell you and confirm payment dates and amounts, or may ask for further information.

“If your application to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad is approved, we’ll write to you to tell you and confirm payment dates and amounts or we may ask for further information.”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

What it asks

GOV.UK's CF83 page lists what you need to apply, including the date you left the UK and details of your employment before you left the UK.

“You’ll need the following to apply: … the date that you left the UK … details of your employment before you left the UK”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

Time limits and rules

GOV.UK's CF83 page says that if you are over, or within 6 months of reaching, State Pension age, HMRC cannot process the application and you must contact the International Pension Centre.

“If you’re over, or within 6 months of reaching State Pension age, we cannot process your application. You must contact the International Pension Centre.”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

How to send it or apply

GOV.UK's CF83 page says that if you apply online you need a phone with a working camera and one of the listed types of photo ID.

“If you’re applying online you’ll need a phone with a working camera and also one of the following types of photo ID”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

Free help and HMRC contacts

GOV.UK's CF83 page says you can contact HMRC National Insurance enquiries if you have further questions about paying National Insurance contributions and living abroad.

“You can contact HMRC National Insurance enquiries, if you have any further questions about paying National Insurance contributions and living abroad.”

GOV.UK: Apply to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad (CF83) · checked 14 October 2026

Free help first

These routes are described by GOV.UK, TaxAid and Citizens Advice themselves.

  • HMRC's extra supportHMRC offers extra support if your health condition or personal circumstances make it difficult to contact HMRC, for example a mental health condition, financial hardship or being treated in hospital.
  • Someone to deal with HMRC for youYou can authorise a friend, relative or voluntary organisation to talk to HMRC for you and help you fill in forms.
  • TaxAidTaxAid helps people with tax problems who cannot pay for advice. Tax Help for Older People merged with TaxAid in July 2025.
  • Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice gives confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, for free.