Guide discussion: Voluntary national insurance contributions

SwiftSuzie

My view is also coloured by the fact that my partner asked for a quote and was quoted and paid class 3.

jem16

SwiftSuzie said:

My view is also coloured by the fact that my partner asked for a quote and was quoted and paid class 3.

Did your partner complete and submit form CF83 to HMRC? 

MouldyOldDough

An important point, regarding NI Credits for disabled people who are not claiming benefits........

You are ENTITLED to NI Credits - even if you are NOT claiming ESA - As long as you SATISFY THE CONDITIONS for ESA - https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility

I struggled to get this accepted by JCP  (They rejected me first time) but am now receiving class 1 credits for nowt !!

Boat_to_Bolivia

jem16 said:

SwiftSuzie said:

My view is also coloured by the fact that my partner asked for a quote and was quoted and paid class 3.

Did your partner complete and submit form CF83 to HMRC? 

I submitted one early December 2022, according to my HMRC account, it is still in progress....

jem16

Boat_to_Bolivia said:

jem16 said:

SwiftSuzie said:

My view is also coloured by the fact that my partner asked for a quote and was quoted and paid class 3.

Did your partner complete and submit form CF83 to HMRC? 

I submitted one early December 2022, according to my HMRC account, it is still in progress....

My son can beat that. His was submitted on 14th September 2022. Apparently a 36 week wait time. He's in no hurry and they will honour the prices and back to 2006 when they do get to it. 

SwiftSuzie

B to B and jem16. Re the CF83 forms you submitted. Have they acknowledged receipt of them? Is there any certainty that they have them? I don't think there's a way to check, is there? It's an interesting and potentially money saving option you have raised to go for Class 2, but you can no doubt see my quandary. I can just go ahead and buy Class 3 confident in the info molerat has given me, which confirms my previous thinking. So long as I make 3 years before dying it's a good return. I agree that to get the same return for a fraction of the outlay on Class 2 is an absolutely stonking deal, but I could get timed out by their woeful performance and finish up with neither. It's hypothetical, but say they open my form in December for Class 2 and tell me I can't have them and I'm also time barred to change to Class 3. I know that this shouldn't happen, but I see it as a risk and absolutely nothing surprises me with them.

SwiftSuzie

General suggestion that seems obvious to me. Why don't they have one number dedicated to sorting out those who are within their state pension 4 month application period or already in receipt. The initial message could make clear that if you are not in this group then you may have a long wait but we definitely can't deal with your query. It would take all of the heat out of the current situation and avoid them having to deal with stressed out callers.

jem16

SwiftSuzie said:

B to B and jem16. Re the CF83 forms you submitted. Have they acknowledged receipt of them? Is there any certainty that they have them? I don't think there's a way to check, is there? It's an interesting and potentially money saving option you have raised to go for Class 2, but you can no doubt see my quandary. I can just go ahead and buy Class 3 confident in the info molerat has given me, which confirms my previous thinking. So long as I make 3 years before dying it's a good return. I agree that to get the same return for a fraction of the outlay on Class 2 is an absolutely stonking deal, but I could get timed out by their woeful performance and finish up with neither. It's hypothetical, but say they open my form in December for Class 2 and tell me I can't have them and I'm also time barred to change to Class 3. I know that this shouldn't happen, but I see it as a risk and absolutely nothing surprises me with them.

Yes we know that the forms were received as they show up in his Government Gateway account. he has also been in touch with them by phone a couple of times and again they have confirmed receipt. They told him as long as the form was received before 6th April 2023 ( now end of July 2023) he would still have the option to pay for years from 2006 onwards. We also have that in writing via the HMRC Community Forums.

So you won't get time barred by submitting the CF83 form whether it turns out to be Class 2 or Class 3 as long as they receive the form by end of July 2023.

In my son's case it makes no difference as he's nowhere near SPA yet but I appreciate it may make a difference if you're already in receipt of your state pension. However with a difference of £14,008 ( Class 3 for 17 years) against £2771 ( Class 2 for 17 years) it's a huge difference.

pinnks

I agree with Jem16.  And, as you are overseas, HMRC is insisting on form CF83. 

If you want a little official comfort, register on the HMRC Customer Forum and ask your question about proof or receipt/July deadline etc on there.

Customer Forums - Community Forum - GOV.UK (hmrc.gov.uk) 

SwiftSuzie

Thanks everyone for your sterling efforts. I found info online that supports my earlier understanding. The distinction seems to be that you can apply for Class 2 if you are still working, so there was a time when I could have, but nor now. Pity! MSE won't let me share the link as I haven't been here very long, and I might post something naughty. Again, my gratitude goes to you all.