NI rebate...too good to be true?

[AuraofDora]

Was self employed for number of years, then had dc ..i did not return to work (sahp) but i continued to pay my NI (class 2 i think) through a direct debit on my current account, thinking it goes towards pension and did not want a break in my contributions iyswim etc..

Through recent events it has came to light that they (government) have being paying it for me and when i called to NI office i was informed that i need not have paid this and can claim it back..
which is great and very timely etc but just have nagging doubt it will come back to bite me on the bum at a later date..

Do any you guys have experience of this?
Any advice?
Can i form fill with abandon?

They don't actually pay it for you. You get a credit which effectively reduces the number of years you need to pay towards a full pension.

ah catweazle that makes sense, he said on the phone that i would be credited til 2010 i didnt fully register at the time to ask sensible questions..

they are not very forthcoming with info and i just feel they are holding something back..

anyone?

If you have credits rather than contributions they only count for your pension and not other benefits. Being self employed you wouldn't get unemployment benefit anyway, but sickness benefit or maternity allowance would need NI conts in the relevant year. (altho not sure of the rules anymore, been a good 20 years since i worked for the DHSS )

There wouldn't be any other repercussions.

thanks so much, really appreciated!