Need I pay NI stamps whilst on maternity leave?

[nauseous]

sorry if this is a stupid question. Am still looking on yougov for the answer though not spotted it yet. TIA Nx

I don't think you have to if you are in receipt of child benefit.

Bit confused Slug - wouldn't that mean that ANYONE with a child would not have to pay extra NI contributions - which can't be right, can it? CB is the only non-means tested benefit in the country I think...? Not sure... Bump.

it's called home resposibilities protection. anyone in recepit of child benefit gets it in lieu of NI payments.

see here

how do you normally pay NI? Are you employed so pay it through PAYE?

If you get SMP it is subject to tax and NI deductions as normal, it's just that for most people it won't result in any deductions because of the amounts involved.

When I had my second child, I had been self-employed for some time. My NI stamp payments were suspended for the six months I took off work after he was born, and I received SMP.

So, the answer is no, I think.

Ooh thank you .. so it looks as though I don't need to worry until child is 12... however I will be working (paid) before then.. I hope!

Yes flowery I will get SMP for up to 39 weeks from my employer... does that make a diff? Planning to go back to work 2 days / week after that.

sorry that's wrong I meant after 1 year is up so there will be a period of non payment of SMP of course btw 39-52 weeks.