Mumsnet Talk

I was told ages ago by someone in the benefits office that if you are taking time out to raise children you can get your NIC paid. I'm trying to chase this up, but currently can't get through to the job centre and my google skills seem to be sadly lacking.

Anyone know anything about this? Or is it one of the many things that lots of people would be entitled to if they only knew about it?

you are registered by claiming child benefit. it's called home responsibilities protection.

Q and As

I pay my own NIC voluntarily, it works out about £15 a month and means there will only be a break of a few months when I didn't realise I could.
As far as I know you can't have them paid for you though.

wow, that was quick, thanks a lot norah!

I dunno if I've been automatically signed up for it as I got a NIC bill this morning. I've got no idea why they're still pestering me as I've told them several times I am not doing freelance work at the moment. Perhaps I need to call them and find out what's going on.

Who would I check with to see if am already getting it, do you know?

ruddynorah is right- all you have to do is ensure your Child Benefit is in your name and it is all done automatically for you

I believe you get it automatically if you have a child who you receive child benefit for.

I think if you are self employed then you have to be rather forceful in telling them when you are no longer working. I still get bills too. It seems that few departments actually talk to each other.

DartmoorMama - interesting; why can't these government offices bloody sort themselves out? Whenever I've had dealings to do with any of them, benefits, tax returns, NI I always end up tearing my hair out with all the beaurocracy and seeming lack of any common sense!

dammit! am going to stop paying mine now then!

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Does this mean I dont have to pay my NIC then, got a bill sitting downstairs and am quite poor at the money

Yup, should think so! Am about to phone up and kick off about my bill. I don't know how many times I have to tell them I'm not bloody working at the mo!

Is there anyway I can check?

yes it's only counting towards pensions - not JSA if at some point you need it, as I found out

re NIC bills, yes I still get mine too even though I stopped being SE for almost 18 months

The HM rev and customs have a helpline on 0845 915 4655. Are they wanting voluntary contributions off you?

Yes, is the keyworld voluntary? I am self employed.

word ! Word sorry!

If you're still doing self employed work they'll probably want the cash off you, but if (like me) you haven't done any for a while and aren't expecting to for a bit, you should have a word.

even though its being convered by my child benefit. Damn.

I thought it is not actually paying NI though , just crediting you with qualifying years.

oh i dunno <shrug>