State pension qualifying years after pension age

[clockworks]

I'm nearly 68, so started getting my state pension in May 2023.

Since I have been solely self-employed since the age of 60, I had to carry on paying NI up until April 2024. (PAYE stop paying it on their 66th birthday, self-employed stop paying at the end of the tax year).

My state pension has always been paid as "one year short" because I was contracted out back in the day. This hasn't changed for the 3 years that I've been checking, despite 2 extra years of paying NI as self-employed since I first checked.

Do HMRC just stop checking for qualifying years once DWP start paying out the state pension?
I've submitted 2 tax returns, with NI deductions, since my 66th birthday.

I'm still working, still doing self-assessment.

My brother hit 66 in January, and is in the same position - 1 year short, wondering if the 2024/5 tax year will make up the shortfall.

[konark]

No NI payments after you hit 66 can count to your statepension even if you pay NI. Your last year was 22/23. If you have unfilled years before , from 2006 , these may still be bought if you're quick.

Edited by konark on Friday 21st March 17:36

[clockworks]

OK, thanks for clarifying. Seems unfair that I had to pay NI for the whole of 2023/4, but that year doesn't count.

Looking at the letter from DWP showing what I'll get from April ( £228.18) and comparing that to the maximum amount payable (£230.25), it looks like I've got 34 full years, and one reduced year from being contracted out?
I'll have a closer look online tomorrow.

As I understand it, each qualifying year is worth £230.25/35, that is £6.58 per qualifying year?
I'm "losing" £2.07 a week.

[caziques]

You should be aware that self employed Class 2 contributions are voluntary, they are only for a state pension.

Class 4 self employed are compulsory and count for nothing.

[clockworks]

I always paid class 2 while self-employed, as I was always below the profit threshold for class 4, but above the class 2 threshold.