National Insurance contributions

lisyloo

Hi,

I may be being made redundant soon and I have been told to fill out a form to make sure that my NI contributions are made (if it happens).
I cannot claim Job seekers allowance during my 5 weeks notice period.

Does anybody know if there is an allowable gap in NI contributions.

5 years ago I was made redundant and I think I missed 3.5 weeks.
I vaguely recollect that a short period is allowable.

The reason why it's an issue is that I am due to go on holiday STRAIGHT AFTER the redundancy so if I DO need to get forms filled in ASAP then I need to know as I will need to ask for extra time off before the holiday.

I am also now concerned about the 3.5 weeks I have off 5 years ago !!

Can someone put my mind at rest.

fairenoughclough

Visit https://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/home.htm and click on the links relevant to you.

lisyloo

Thanks.

I ahve spoken to the NI people today and I have been told that it is the amount that you pay in that counts not the number of weeks.
So if you are a high earner then having some time off is not a problem.

If you don't pay enough then you get a letter from the NI people offering you the chance to pay the contributions voluntarily.

I believe I have earned more than enough this year for it to be a "qualifying year" for my pension and to qualify for other benefits.

millie

I was told by someone in the N I department that if I had earned at least £4000 in the current tax year my contributions would be suffient. It was the middle of November when i was told this, so I dont know whether the amount changes as the tax year becomes more advanced

lisyloo

No it's something like £4K for the whole year (I don't know the exact figure),