How long to claim NIC

GREYONE

I'm 56 and was made redundant 18 months ago with a payout. After taking time out to get things sorted, I signed on for JSA which has now come to an end. So I am now signing on just for NIC. The JCP people were ok with this but not very forward with any details like the GOV website.

. I'm 56, been in work for 30 years and at the moment want to return to work. Can anyone tell me please how long it is possible to do this -sign on just for NIC?

p00hsticks

As far as I'm aware you could continue to do this for as long as you meet the eligibility critiera for JSA - i.e. you are under state pension age and are actively seeking employment.

Assuming that you are continuing to sign on in order to ensure you get the maximum possible state pension, you may not need to continue for that long - have you got a state pension forecast to see how many further years you need to reach the maximum ?

xylophone

Have you checked your state pension position?

https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension

GREYONE

Thanks for your answer and reminder.

I check my state pension every year and currently need to pay 5 years out of 11.
As well as NI contributions I get access to local job search help which is actually very useful.

My IFA has suggested taking advantage of my personal allowance and the tax-free lump sum?
Do you know if I could still claim for NIC if I was drawing on any of my personal pensions?