Opt out of Child Benefit but still get NI credit

[WoIsMe]

I am currently out of work and my DH earns above the threshold at which Child Benefit is withdrawn. I have been claiming CB to get the NI credit towards my pension while I am out of work, however we then have to pay back the amount of CB received in the tax return every year. If I opt out of receiving CB payments will I still get the NI credit? The government website is unclear as to the effect of opting out of payments.

Yes, you do. I opted out a few years ago. As long as you make the claim but opt not to take payments.

Thank you. Does that keep your claim going then? I was worried that opting out would cancel everything!

Yes you still get the NI credit if you have a claim but opt out of payment

If you choose to opt out of getting Child Benefit payments
You should still fill in the Child Benefit claim form. You need to state on the form that you do not want to get payments.

You need to fill in the claim form if you want to:

• get National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension
• get your child a National Insurance number without them having to apply for one - they’ll usually get the number before they turn 16 years old

Yes, totally doable! I’ve completed the documentation for both kids but opted out of receiving the payment.

That's the bit I don't understand. I already filled the form in when my children were born. This makes it sound like I need to fill it in again when I opt out.

https://www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge/stop-child-benefit

You can opt out at any time by filling in a form