Income protection and national insurance contributions

Jonnniboy

Hi

I am in receipt of income protection form a policy I hold personally.  I suffered brain damage from a restrictive hydrocephalus a few years back and as a result I will not be able to return to employment prior to retirement.  I am 51 years old and have 16 annual NI contributions to make to qualify for a full state pension.  I am not in receipt of any state benefits and as far as I am aware not eligible.  Am I able to receive NI contribution credits or will I need to pay to fill the gaps?  If so, how do I go about it as I cannot find anything other than applying for an ESA?

Many thanks for any help here.  I've been on hold for 1 hour 30 minutes trying to get through to the Government helpline.

John

molerat

https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility

The only way other than paying is to claim ESA even though you may not be entitled to any payments.  That will get you class 1 credits. But there may be a problem claiming as it has been " a few years", I am sure some of the benefits experts will be along and help in that direction.

What exactly does your forecast show ?

Current £.pp amount accrued up to April 2022
Number of pre 2016 NI years full
Number of post 2016 NI years full
Financial year you reach state retirement
Any COPE amount shown
Years which show not full and prices

calcotti

You can apply for new style ESA. If you cannot be paid anything because it is too long since you last worked you should be sent for a Work Capability Assessment. If found to have Limited Capability for Work you will get Class 1 NI credits.

If you paid the income protection policy premiums yourself you could have claimed ESA and the protection would have been ignored but it will be too late to receive ESA if it is a few years since you stopped work.

if you health limits you ability to carry out various activities you should at PIP. PIP will not get you NI but can pay you money if you qualify.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/
it is not means tested.

Have you used a benefits calculator to see whether you might be some UC if you were found to have LCWRA. You income protection could prevent you from UC.