How is the amount of a voluntary contribution for a NI gap year calculated?

elaineatesh

I have checked my NI record and have some gap years from 2016 - 2017 onwards. I was under the impression that each gap year back to 2016-17 would be a voluntary payment of £824.20 (ie the rates applicable 22-23). My 2016-17 gap year is showing a required voluntary contribution of £507.20 to count as a "full year", I paid no NI contributions that year as I was a zero hours employee and didn't earn enough to pay NI. So how is the figure £507.20 arrived at? Is it something to do with working out inflation from then to 22-23 or some other method please? 

molerat

You don't have to pay NI to be credited.  Any week where you are paid above the LEL, currently £123 and £116 in 16-17, you will receive a credit. £507.20 / £15.85 = 32 weeks short (so 20 weeks credited).  Your record likely states you made no contributions but only a part payment is required, the credits by earning above the LEL do not show.

elaineatesh

molerat said:

You don't have to pay NI to be credited.  Any week where you are paid above the LEL, currently £123 and £116 in 16-17, you will receive a credit. £507.20 / £15.85 = 32 weeks short (so 20 weeks credited).  Your record likely states you made no contributions but only a part payment is required, the credits by earning above the LEL do not show.

Thank you so much for that, really appreciate it