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Original poster

Opted out of child benefit and now I have missed out on National Insurance for state pension. Please help!

80 replies

Nyli · 11/12/2023 17:40

I haven't worked for several years (for various reasons, including looking after my 2 children, age 16 and 15). My partner is a higher rate tax payer.

Back in 2020 we opted out of child benefit to save him having to repay it via self assessment. But I didn't realise this meant I would lose my national insurance credits. I'm now 52 and have just checked my state pension forecast for the first time and I'm in a bit of a panic. The last 3 years are missing. I see that I can make a voluntary payment of about £800 for each year I've missed, but we don't have enough money to do that. I have no other pension and my relationship is very rocky, we may split up.

I have 2 questions. Is there any way I can get child benefit or get the NI credits backdated for the missing years? If not, can I restart child benefit now so I don't miss out on the next few years while my kids are still in education? Thank you for your help!

OP posts:

Bramshott · 13/12/2023 11:00

Blankscreen · 12/12/2023 14:21

I'm 44 and not expecting there to even be a state pension by the time I retire.

I fully expect legislation to be bought in to phase it out for higher earners.

I think people have been saying that for years, and it hasn't come to pass yet - it would be hugely politically explosive for any government who wanted to introduce a policy to discontinue or means test the state pension.

It's definitely still worth making sure you have as many contributing years as possible, and can expect to receive a full state pension. We can only plan according to the rules as they stand right now.

TeenDivided · 13/12/2023 11:23

angsanana · 13/12/2023 10:44

They don't OP. NI contributions are what you make when you're working or self employed to pay for your pension. When the kids are 12 the child benefit stops. Call HMRC. They are super helpful. You can buy back added years at any point including near to returement, that would help you save to buy them back as well as getting years in under your belt so you may not have to pay them all

Show quote history

To be totally clear.

You pay NI when working, that never stops (as far as I am aware).
if you have a child and get CB whilst they are under 12 you get NI 'credits' against your NI record so you can get full years even if not working
Once your child reaches 12 you continue to receive child benefit, but the NI credits stop , so unless you work or make voluntary contributions (£824 pa currently) you will miss out on qualifying years.

Bromptotoo · 13/12/2023 11:26

Does NI still stop if you work beyond pension age?

I know it used to as I was 'Admin' in a public body where a lot of the appointed members were over (as then was) 60/65.

TeenDivided · 13/12/2023 11:28

Bromptotoo · 13/12/2023 11:26

Does NI still stop if you work beyond pension age?

I know it used to as I was 'Admin' in a public body where a lot of the appointed members were over (as then was) 60/65.

You are correct. I didn't know that.
So

Correction

You pay NI when working, until you reach state pension age.

sashh · 14/12/2023 09:21

SparkIehoof · 11/12/2023 21:42

Yes, I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed 20 years ago, just as I was looking to go back to work. Ironically.

Show quote history

Have you applied for benefits? If you are unable to work due to ill health you get NI credits as though you were in work.

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