State Pension - Qualifying Years

kelvinsballs

Hello All

I dont know if this has been covered if so apologies in advance but I wonder if someone could enlighten me........

I have now well exceeded the number of qualifying years in NI contributions to earn the full state pension.

I expect to have another 10 years full time work ahead and will still be paying my '' Stamp '' until I retire - which will not benefit me at all......

However my wife has long term health issues, cannot and hasnt worked for some years, doesnt sign on or qualify for any benefits therefore she doesnt qualify for any National Insurance Credits

so..........

My point is as I cannot benefit from the extra payments I make every month to the NI people can I ask for my contribution to be diverted to her NI account and help bring her Qualifying years up
for the future ??

Seems to me a simple thing especially as you can transfer a portion of your HMRC tax allowance so why not be able to transfer a portion of your NI contribution ???????


any advise or comments greatfully recieved......

rgds

Sputnik 1 :beer:

Mnd

I may be wrong but I don't think that's possible. Don't forget that your NI contributions are not just pension contributions, they go to NHS as well.

greenglide

cannot and hasnt worked for some years,

If she "cannot" work then she should be able to claim benefits, even if it is only to get NI credits.

xylophone

Seems to duplicate post 362.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/73054182#Comment_73054182

Malchester

Hi. Just to agree with previous posts. NI goes towards a much wider range of things than pension. I too have enough years for a full pension but still have 7 years to being able to retire and claim it but my NI goes towards being able to claim other benefits and to NHS, not just pension

crv1963

Hi


I suggest that if your wife has ongoing issues with her health and cannot work there are options for her to ensure her "stamp" is paid.


She if she has ongoing contact with health professionals ask for a referral to local money advice centre who will help her claim any appropriate benefits, even if the application for benefits is unsuccessful she should get advice about her NI contributions and if appropriate health costs. Or she could see a Money Advisor at the local CAB.


If her GP/ Consultant agrees that she is unfit to work and is unlikely to return to work for sometime then she may be able to claim a 25% reduction in Council Tax.


Some people do get bewildered/ frustrated or overwhelmed by the byzantine benefits system and it really is worth pursuing simply to make life a little easier in the long run, and NI credit is worth gaining.