200,000 families risk missing out as the 'wrong' parent claims child benefit - MSE News

Former_MSE_Naomi

Around 200,000 families risk one parent missing out on national insurance credits – and potentially losing £1,000s from their future state pension – because the higher earner in the couple claims child benefit, new data shows. Here's how to check if your family is affected, and transfer national insurance credits across if needed...

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'200,000 families risk missing out as the 'wrong' parent claims child benefit'

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TheShape

'Around 200,000 families risk one parent missing out on national insurance credits – and potentially losing £1,000s from their future state pension – because the higher earner in the couple claims child benefit'

The issue isn't that the higher earner in a couple claims child benefit. In a case where both members of a couple are paying NI, that won't make a difference.

The issue arrives where one member of a couple isn't paying NI and doesn't claim child benefit.

calcotti

TheShape wrote: »

The issue arrives where one member of a couple isn't paying NI and doesn't claim child benefit.

Slight amendment to that statement.
The issue arrives where one member of a couple isn't paying NI or being treated as having paid NI and doesn't claim child benefit.
They will be treated as having paid NI if they earn more than the lower earnings limit (currently £118/week) even though they don't actually pay any NI until they reach the primary threshold (currently £166/week).