Can my non working wife pay Class 4 nic to help pension?

weejas

Hi

Hope someone has the answer to this. My wife has 25yrs nic credits according to her pension statement. She's 46 but currently not working (not claiming anything) so yes has potentially another 20yrs to make a min of 10yrs credits to give her a full state pension. Could she start making voluntary Class 4 contributions now to help buy years as this seems a cheaper option at £2.70 a week?

margaretclare

I think Class 4 is for self-employed people. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/working/intro/class4.htm

What she could do is register at the JobCentre and ask to sign on just to get the credits for her NI.

I knew someone who did this when she was a student. She didn't want a job, but she went along and signed on weekly to be credited with her contributions. That was some while ago though, I don't know if it's still possible. She could contact the JobCentre and ask.

mania112

Class 3 contributions are voluntary contributions that can be made to fill gaps in an individuals contribution record.

They can only be paid if the person has insufficient Class 1 or 2 for that year.

The amount for Class 3 last year was £13.25 per week, not sure what it is this year.

Class 4 are additional contributions for those who are self-employed and earning over a specific limit.