Does anyone know anything about Class 2 National Insurance Contributions?

[scrambled]

And if I should pay them? I've been sent a letter becuase i am currently exempt, and 'invited' to reapply for the exemption certificate. But I am wondering if I should pay them, given that they could affect my entitlement to some benefits (mainly worried about MA for next time round - 2 or 3 years away!! and state pension - 30 or 40 years away!!!) I know it's not much but.....

You don't need to worry from a pension point of view as you are already protected if you have DCs - called Home Responsibilities Protection. Not sure about the MA though.

I pay Class 2 NI - it's about £10 a month I think.

If you earn a small amount from self employment you will probably need to apply each year for exemption despite your home responsibilities protection. I had several years when my DCs were young when I did some freelance work some years and not others, so had many problems about this.