18.—(1) To make contributions under regulations 14(5) (contributions during child-related leave), 16 (contributions during trade dispute absence) or 17(6)(a) (contributions during absences with permission), a person must apply to his employing authority in writing before the expiry of a period of 30 days beginning with the day—
(a)on which he returns to work, if he returns to work following the absence; or
(b)on which he ceases to be employed, if he ceases to be employed by that employing authority without returning to work.
(2) In either case, such longer period as the Committee may allow.
(3) A person’s personal representatives may make an application under paragraph (1) if he has died without making an application.