NI questions

Emmamumof2

Put this on benefits board too but thought you guys may know a little more about the NI side of this issue!


I need to claim cont based ESA (sickness benefit which depends upon NI cont from 2010/11 and 2011/12 at the moment)


Due to bankruptcy in early 2012 a small sum of NI went into my bankruptcy - I am self employed - namely £42.50


I spoke to HMRC he worked it out and told me I could make up shortfall by sending the £42.50 to NI office to make up class 2 shortfall.


Ive spoken to DWP this morning.


They confirmed I need another 13 weeks in 2011/12 of Class 2 NI's to be eligible for ESA. I am actually 'missing' 15 weeks but I understand you only need 50 out of 52 weeks in credits for ESA.


I explained I'd written to HMRC and sent a cheque for £42.50 which is what the chap at HMRC told me to pay to get the NI contributions brought up to date in the 2011/12 tax year for this purpose. She explained that they need to be credited as class 2 not class 3 and if they are 'late' there would be a delay of 6 weeks on the ESA, which I understand.


So I then phoned HMRC and asked if the lady would put a note on the file that I'd like these to be treated as Class 2 conts not class 3 for this purpose. But she didn't know how they would be applied.....


few questions:


1) If the chap at HMRC told me to pay £42.50 is that the current class 2 cost of £2.70 per week for the missing 15 weeks to be considered 'late' class 2 conts NOT voluntary class 3 conts?


2) Why would they be applied as class 3 voluntary conts over class 2 conts and marked late? Presumably as the amount I was told to send was 'only' £42.50 that appears to be low for the chap at HMRC to have been referring to Class 3 voluntary, yes?


Any idea how long it will take HMRC to update my record? They received the cheque/letter a week ago - I sent recorded delivery.


I further found this thread which seems similar!
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2623419


Likewise, the lady at the DWP was very familiar with the arrangements in place.


I would note I have always paid class 2 NI (and indeed class 4 NI) since being self employed over 10 years ago and it is terribly unfortunate that due to the bankruptcy they took £42 worth of NI into the bankruptcy without my knowledge.