Career break - National Insurance contributions

[MrsDinky]

I'm about to be made redundant and am planning to stay at home for a year or so till my youngest starts school. I have around 20 years NICs so far (am early 40s), and I think you need 30 to get a full pension, so I'm on track, but wondered if I should pay them voluntarily whilst not working, and if so how much do you have to pay?

You get Home Responsibilities Protection with Child Benefit www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10018 691

Thank you, that's helpful to know. I am going to have to watch the pennies so that's one less thing to worry about.