NI contributions - zero hours contract

[Deleted User]

Hi, I'm currently working zero hours contract and claiming universal credits. I'm unable to claim child tax credits / UC based on child tax credits as my ex is claiming this (I have my 5 year old more, but couldn't be bothered to argue, but it's affecting my availability to work more hours and with claiming UC, I have to show I'm trying to look for more work).

Am I able to claim being on zero hours without UC or do I need to work so many hours per week / earn x amount per week to qualify for weekly credits to qualify for the year for state pension purposes.

Any info gratefully appreciated.

calcotti

Child tax credits are a different benefit to UC. I assume you mean that you are unable to include any children on your UC claim because your ex is being treated as the primer carer.

As regards NI contributions/credits you only get NI contributions from earnings for weeks you earn more than £120/week. If you frequently have weeks when you earn less then being on UC makes sense because that gives you NI credits.

[Deleted User]

Aw fab, the £120 would mean about 12 hours per week which I should be able to do regularly minimum. 

Forgot to ask also, is there an amount where the UC would top up my income / stop topping up?

Spoonie_Turtle

Deleted User said:

Aw fab, the £120 would mean about 12 hours per week which I should be able to do regularly minimum. 

Forgot to ask also, is there an amount where the UC would top up my income / stop topping up?

This page explains how wages affect UC https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/new-to-universal-credit/universal-credit-and-work/

calcotti

Deleted User said: Forgot to ask also, is there an amount where the UC would top up my income / stop topping up?

The point at which you lose UC entitlement will depend on your circumstances so we cannot say what that amount is.

If you look at your UC statement it will show what your maximum UC amount is. the amount you receive will be the maximum amount minus 55% of your earnings. If you had a child on your claim some of your earnings would be ignored.

[Deleted User]

If I go on holiday for a couple of weeks (zero hour contract, no UC), would this mean I wouldn't qualify for NI contributions for state pension for that year? 

calcotti

Deleted User said:

If I go on holiday for a couple of weeks (zero hour contract, no UC), would this mean I wouldn't qualify for NI contributions for state pension for that year? 

Possibly but not necessarily. It's complicated so there isn't a simple answer. Obviously you will have not earned anything in those weeks so will not be treated as having paid contributions in those weeks and therefore the year could be incomplete.

However if you have earned enough in the other weeks of the year I think you can still end up with a full year. If your total earnings for the year in weeks where you earned £120 or more amount top at least £120 x 52 then I think you will have a full year.

You can check your NI record with HMRC and have the option to make voluntary contributions to fill any gaps.
Check your National Insurance record - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Good information on the NI sustem here
What is National Insurance? | Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (litrg.org.uk)
What National Insurance do I pay as an employee? | Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (litrg.org.uk)

[Deleted User]

Aw fab, thanks for the info, the job centre seemed to have me set up in the wrong category, so should be able to stay on UC without being pestered much now!