National insurance class 3 contributions questions

[Tennislover]

Hello all,
I have been a DIY professional for 17 years but in 2019 deactivated self employment with the help of my accountant.
I unfortunately lost a family member at the time which really put me off my stroke.
I had a few years on universal credit thereafter but left in 2023 as I didn't like the idea of being on the dole.
I haven't returned to my work yet and at some point wish to do so but thankfully I have received help from some other family members to carry me through this period.
I would like to pay three years of NI contributions from 2023 to 2026.
How do I go about this?
Do I pay online through the personal tax account or do I call the HMRC phone number?
Also I haven't worked in three years and haven't been on Universal Credit so will they ask me about this or just take my payment?
Any help with this would be much appreciated.

 

[Scalloway]

According to this web page if you receive Universal Credit, you get Class 3 credits automatically.

National Insurance credits

Who can get National Insurance credits and how to apply or when to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions.

www.gov.uk

 

[Tennislover]

Thank you for your reply Scalloway,
Frankly I didn't like signing on so I would rather pay my NI credits myself rather than going through the hassle of dealing with the dole office until I go back to work.

 

[Scalloway]

Voluntary National Insurancecontributions.

Voluntary National Insurance

National Insurance contributions you can choose to pay when you have a gap in your National Insurance record.

www.gov.uk

 

[Tennislover]

Thank you Scalloway,
That link is useful and I now understand it better as a result.
I appreciate your help in this matter.

 

[UKSBD]

Be very careful about paying voluntary contributions or you are just wasting your money.

Look at your record, think about your age and how many years it will be before you reach retirement age.