HRP & Self-Employment: Gaps, Class 2/3, and Credits

6th Oct 2025

Many carers and parents combined self-employment with childcare. HRP can protect qualifying years even when Class 2 contributions were irregular — but only if it’s recorded. Here’s how to approach gaps sensibly so you don’t overpay for top-ups.

Typical scenarios

  • You dipped in/out of self-employment while caring for children or a family member.
  • You missed Class 2 payments in some years while your caring responsibilities were high.
  • Your NI record shows gaps where HRP should apply (1978–2010).

What to check first

  • Your NI record for every tax year between 1978–2010.
  • Whether you were the Child Benefit claimant (and if not, who was).
  • Any care evidence (medical letters, care plans, social worker notes) that aligns to the missing years.

Close gaps in the right order

  1. Apply for HRP correction first to add protected years where eligible.
  2. Once HRP decisions update your NI record, re-check what remains uncovered.
  3. Only then consider voluntary Class 3 top-ups for years HRP won’t cover.
  4. If you also had employment/self-employment overlaps, include context letters or records.

Tip: Buying Class 3 years before HRP is decided can waste money — fix the record first, then top-up only if it still benefits your pension.

Evidence that helps for self-employed carers

  • Child Benefit award letters naming the claimant for specific years.
  • Medical/care evidence that shows your caring role and dates.
  • Business records that explain irregular income (where relevant).
  • Brief employer/client statements if you paused or reduced contracted work.

A simple annex structure

Create an annex with two parts: (1) a year-by-year HRP table; (2) a top-up review table for any remaining gaps after HRP.

  • HRP Table: Tax year • Basis (Child Benefit/Carer) • Claimant • Evidence codes (A/B/C/D).
  • Top-Up Table: Tax year • Current status • HRP status • Consider Class 3? • Estimated benefit.

After submission

  • DWP/HMRC review HRP eligibility and update your NI record.
  • Re-run your State Pension forecast to see the effect.
  • If gaps remain, assess cost/benefit of Class 3 for those specific years.

Want a clean, cost‑smart plan? Evanshaw prioritises HRP first, then advises on any remaining top-ups. Start your review today.