Can you store NI credits for future use?

Grandma21

I've been looking after my grandchild since January 2024 and would like to make a claim for 2024-2025 tax year which I know I can't do until October 2025.  My grandchild's mother works and claims child benefit and therefore has two claims on NI credits, one of which could be transferred to me.  But she has asked if she can 'store' one set of credits for herself should she need it in the future.   I called the helpline and they said this was not possible but were unable to point me to anything in writing.   I wrote to HMRC on 12 January but so far have not had a reply.   Can anyone help with this please?   

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Grandma21 said:

I've been looking after my grandchild since January 2024 and would like to make a claim for 2024-2025 tax year which I know I can't do until October 2025.  My grandchild's mother works and claims child benefit and therefore has two claims on NI credits, one of which could be transferred to me.  But she has asked if she can 'store' one set of credits for herself should she need it in the future.   I called the helpline and they said this was not possible but were unable to point me to anything in writing.   I wrote to HMRC on 12 January but so far have not had a reply.   Can anyone help with this please?   

AIUI there can only be a transfer if the mother will still have a qualifying year.

molerat

NI credits are only applicable to the year they are earned in. They cannot be applied to a different year.