Voluntary Redundancy to stay at home - Can anyone give advice on how to protect NI and potential benefits?

[GermanMummy]

Hi. I've just chosen to take voluntary redudancy to be able to stay at home and look after my son. I don't want start another job for some time apart from doing the odd bit from home in a few months.

Does anyone know what I need to do with my P45, how I can ensure National Insurance cover and protect my state pension? I'm also not sure if I'm allowed to sign on and claim job seekers allowance as I'm technically not looking for employment.

I called the job centre and have been passed from pillar to post a bit. So any advice would be great.

Thanks.

Keep your p45

You can pay voluntary NI contributions or rely on HRP (home responsibilities protection) to cover your pension contributions

You won't be able to claim jobseekers unless you are looking for work (unless you bend the truth- not worth it IMHO)

I think if you are claiming/in receipt of child benefit already which presumably you are, then you dont have to worry about the NI side of things as you get a sort of exemption if you receive Child Benefit (called Home responsibilities Protection).

But as you are voluntarily unemployed I dont think you are entitled to Jobseekers allowance. You may be entitled to some income-tested benefits in due course if the redundancy money has run out and also need to revisit Child Tax Credits I think. But I wouldnt claim to be an expert on this - it is all so complicated.

HTH

Thanks for the quick advice. Do you know if there are any benefits I can claim or is that always linked to me actively looking for work?