Voluntary NI contributions whilst unemployed

Loopy1

I apologise if this is the wrong forum I went up and down the categories wondering where to post. I really would appreciate some advice as I am unable to get through on the advice helpline.

My husband is currently unemployed following several years on ESR (following all his life of self-employment). He did not quality for Contribution based job seekers but goes to the job centre to get his NI contributions. However the job centre are proving useless and damn right rude and he was advised that if he got his NI contributions paid another way he could stop going. They mentioned changing the child benefit over to him but when I rang them they suggested ringing the NI helpline to find another way (but cant get through).

It looks like from the website he could pay Class 3 voluntary but at £13.00 a week we cannot afford that. But here is the complicated part. DH still has a business but has not worked it for years but files annual tax returns with 0 earnings. He does not want to work for the business and wants a job hence why going to job centre. Would he pay less NI if he goes back to being self employed and just pays Class 2 each week?

I am very confused, sorry.

Mojisola

If you are working and paying NI towards your pension, the credits that come with CB aren't being used. Change it to his name.

Loopy1

I am not sure we can afford that option as they said it will be classed as a new claim and take up to 12 weeks.

greenglide

... and if you are not working then he does need to get NI credits unless he has 30 years already if his SPA is before 6/4/2016 or 35 years if after 5/4/2016.

The credits are important to maintain his state pension. Does the job centre not have a better solution although I believe you do need to be seeking work even if you are not claiming benefit.

Is he not qualify for the means tested ESA?