To ask about NI contributions

[AbsolutelyKnackered]

If I haven't worked for 10+ years due to being a SAHM should I be making a payment to the Government to bring my NI up to date? I had some communication with them a few years ago and they told me I didn't need to. What do others do please?

TIA

I think I'm right in saying if you get child benefit your contributions are done through that?

Your child benefit acts as your stamp till your youngest is 10

Childcare and National Insurance credits

Parents (aged over 16) who receive Child Benefit and are caring for a child under the age of 12 receive National Insurance credits automatically. Those on Carer's Allowance or Income Support also qualify.

I work 16hours a week but don't earn enough to pay NI, I guess I will have to do something else once my youngest is 12 but I'm hoping to be working much more full time hours by then.

I don't get child benefit as my DH is a high earner. I haven't received it since that change came in. I have just gone online where you can request a copy of your NI statement showing any gaps. Hopefully that will do the trick. Thank you for your the replies. This has been on my to do list ... for years!

You can and should still register for Child Benefit (and pay it back, effectively) in order to receive your NI credit.

Oh really? I didn't know that.

Yes you can still register for cb then either opt out of receiving payment or have your dh/dp complete a tax return to repay any overpayment.

I stopped work a few years ago confident that I had 30 years NI contributions. The goalposts for a full pension have now been moved to 35 years so I need to find another job.

I wonder if I can "back date" that opting out. Thank you LIZS.

Think claims are backdated 3 months, but maybe you can argue longer for ni purposes.

Hi Exit, FYI you can buy extra years if you choose to do so. Class 2 or 3 NI. They are much cheaper than class 1 that you pay as an employee as well. From your post, it may be worth your while calling HMRC and asking about this, it's called 'voluntary NI contributions'.

Thanks. I meant to put a winky face. Have no intention of finding a job. Dh runs his own business of which I am a nominal employee so will probably do it through that.