Can anyone please help me with Incapacity Benefit?

megisabel

I am self employed as a childminder and doula, I had my third baby in January this year.

I havent returned to work as I am suffering from post natal depression (diagnosed a few weeks ago and have started taking citalopram), Im finding it hard even looking after my own kids but we are really struggling financially. I just cant bring myself to return to work though because a) dont think I am capabale and b) due to the nature of my work I dont think its right that I should be looking after other peoples kids etc if Im not 100%.

Anyway, my maternity pay ended a few weeks ago, and the thing is, I havent paid my national insurance contributions since I went on maternity (well, I have paid a few pounds but not much).

How does this leave me for incapacity? does your stamp get paid whilst your on maternity or not?

Can I pay a backdated payment before I claim incapacity?

Is there any other help available to me? or am I just f***ed?

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer

Mojisola

I don't think this tax year's NI payments are counted - they work on the contributions paid in previous complete years.

megisabel

i have just called up and i only owe 21 pounds and they sent a bill on friday.

so when that comes and i pay that will i be considered to have complete stamp and would be free to claim

*****crosses fingers******

calleyw

megisabel wrote: »

i have just called up and i only owe 21 pounds and they sent a bill on friday.

so when that comes and i pay that will i be considered to have complete stamp and would be free to claim

*****crosses fingers******

As has been said it is down to the last two tax years excluding this year. What class of stamp have you been paying?

As that makes difference to if you can get any benefits as well.

All the best.


Yours


Calley

megisabel

class 2 contributions i think

oh gawd, i cant even think if i will have enough for last two years, definitely last year is fine but not sure about year before. will just have to cross my fingers i suppose