Inheriting late husband's NI contributions

jewellery10

I am a 59 year old woman with 33 years of NI contributions in my own right.

I was widowed in 2009 and am currently unemployed but not claiming any state benefits.

I know that the minimum requirement to receive the full "new" State Pension is 35 years of NI contributions.

With the introduction of the new SP, does the "right" to use one's late spouse's NI contributions to "top up" my NI record still exist? If yes, how do I go about claiming?

If not, does anyone know if I can register as unemployed to receive NI contributions (but not receive any monies)? if yes, how do I go about this?

My prospects of paid employment are very low, because I have various illnesses which impact on my day to day wellbeing, but may not be considered "serious" enough to qualify for the various means tested "disability" benefits.

I know that I can make voluntary contributions to make up the missing 2 years, but I just wanted to ascertain of there are any other avenues I could pursue before going down that route.

xylophone

Have you obtained a new state pension statement?

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


See https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181235/derived-inherited-entitlement.pdf

https://www.royallondon.com/siteassets/site-docs/media-centre/good-with-your-money-guides/topping-up-your-state-pension-guide.pdf

jem16

jewellery10 wrote: »

I know that the minimum requirement to receive the full "new" State Pension is 35 years of NI contributions.

With the introduction of the new SP, does the "right" to use one's late spouse's NI contributions to "top up" my NI record still exist? If yes, how do I go about claiming?

No it doesn't unless you have paid Married Women's reduced rate at some point in the last 35 years?

Have you been contracted out during your 33 years? If so you may be getting all you will get anyway.

As xylophone has said you need to get a state pension forecast first.

If not, does anyone know if I can register as unemployed to receive NI contributions (but not receive any monies)? if yes, how do I go about this?

You can sign on to receive credits but you will need to actively look for work.

Do you look after grandchildren as you can possibly gain credits that way?

drumtochty

Remember if you register as self employed and earn less than £1,000 a year as a dog walker or babysitting or selling tat on ebay.


You can then on your self assesment tax return add the self employed page, declare less than £1,000 income which means no tax to pay. You then click the box to pay voluntary Class 2 NI contributions and get a years NI for £150 a year.


That assumes you cannot an NI credit as a carer.


As the other posters have advised get an up to date pension forecast and report the numbers here for help with the best way to maximise your state pension.


You can also get this from your personal tax account if you have registered for it via HMRC and you get the info straight away.

LHW99

If you have ever claimed child benefit, you may have been credited with NI contributions, so checking your SP record is the way to go.
Make sure you buy post 2016 years.