Pension and self-employment

ofka81

Hi Everyone

I have been self-employed for the last 3 years.In a meantime I had a baby.
After my maternity has finished I have decided I am not returning to work(yet).My daughter is only 9 months.
The problem is I am hestitating if I should close my self-employment account?I do not have any clients.
I only add I am afraid that If I close my account the years I have been off work would not count to my pension years?

Could you please advise me what to do?

sleepless_saver

If you are claiming child benefit and your child is under 12 years then you get your NI credits towards your state pension. See link http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/start/claiming/protect-pension.htm.

Were you making national insurance contributions while you were self employed?

ofka81

Were you making national insurance contributions while you were self employed?[/QUOTE]

Thank you for reply.Yes I am paying still National Insurance Contributions to HM Revenue.And I do get Child benefit.
I wanted to make sure what would be the best as I mentioned I am not working at present. I will get back to work eventually.
That is why I was afriad if I close my account I will lose the years I am not working.

sleepless_saver

You don't need to continue the NI contributions to keep your state pension entitlement. The fact that you are getting child benefit and the child is under 12 means you get exactly the same credits towards your state pension. See the link in my previous post.