HRP/Class 3 Voluntary Contributions

AustraliaNow

I was born and grew up in the UK but have paid these contributions for several years (in order to protect my UK state pension) whilst overseas in the Middle East and the Far East. I have now permanently relocated to Australia (2005).

In March 2003 I returned to the UK from the Middle East with the intention of remaining there permanently and with two young children to care for was under the impression that my number of qualifying years would be reduced through Home Responsiblities Protection. In order for this to apply you need to be in the UK for a complete tax year which I was. Unfortunately I did not claim Child Benefit immediately and only started receiving it on 7 April 2003. However in addition to this rule about being in the country for a complete tax year it seems that you also need to be claiming Child Benefit for a complete year and because I did not start receiving it until the 7 April I am not eligible for HRP for this year.

I am told that I must pay 38 contributions in order for 2003 to count towards my State Pension. However in addition to this I worked from September 2003 to July 2004 in a casual job as a lecturer in a sixth form college where I did pay National Insurance contributions.

I have tried writing to the relevant authority and the last letter I received confirmed the situation above. It seems very unfair that because I did not rush out and claim my entitlements immediately that I am now being penalised. Is there anyone I can appeal to against this decision?

Thanks

stazi

It is too late to appeal against getting Child Benefit from 7/4/03. An appeal has to be made within 1 month of the decision being made. You are not being penalised, you just didn't meet the conditions for HRP in that particular tax year.