NI contributions childcare years?

[Lackofknowledge]

Hi - I have gaps in my NI contributions for the last 5 years. I did not claim child benefit and did not apply for the ‘don’t give me the cash just the credits’ because I basically didn’t know I had to. I know, I’m an idiot. How do I get those credits noted on my file? Thanks.

Why did you think you would be awarded the NI credits if you weren’t claiming? How were they supposed to know to give them to you?

There is mixed advice on this; some people say you can’t get them, others say that HMRC is sorting it if you speak to them. You’ll have to call the child benefit office and speak to them.

This was really widely publicised at the time of the changes as well as repeatedly over the years though, so I really don’t know why they’ve accept “I didn’t know” as a reason.

It doesn’t matter if you can make the 35 years of contribution without the missed years though.

I would call and speak to them

You can apply for credits for any caring years since 2010 using the gov.uk website:

www.tax.service.gov.uk/digital-forms/form/application-for-credits-for-parents-and-carers/draft/guide