The application to be made under section 24 of the Act of 2005 to become a voluntary contributor shall be made to the Minister, in writing in the form for the time being approved by him or her for that purpose, within sixty months after the end of the contribution year in which -

(i) the applicant ceased to be an employed contributor,

(ii) an employment contribution was last credited to the applicant in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations, or

(iii) the applicant ceased to be a self‑employed contributor,

or such longer period as the Minister, having regard to the circumstances of the particular case, may allow.