NI contributions

arroli

Following a road traffic accident i have been claiming Incapacity benefit as unfit to work. In november 2007, following a dss medical, the Doctor decided I was fit to work and benefit was stopped. I appealed, and the result was appeal declined, their decision stands.
It seems my option would be to claim job seekers allowance to keep my NI contributions current, but I cannot justify claiming this, as i am currently not fit to work, nor can I lie and pretend I am, in order to "sign on" as unemployed!
I am being supported by my husband, but need to know if their is any way to have your NI contributions credited whilst not working, or is the only way to pay a voluntary contribution of between 35-40 pounds per month, in order to keep my entitlement to pension credits.

healy

If you cannot get credits from a State Benefit the only way to keep your NI credits going to protect your Pension would be to pay the voluntary class 3 NI contributions. There is one other alternative if you have children under the age of 16 and that is Home Responsibilities Protection, but these are not credits. Further information can be found on the following link :http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Caringforsomeone/DG_10018691

stazi

There is nothing to stop you reclaiming IB again, assuming your GP agrees with you that you incapable for work, and is prepared to issue a sick note to you.

If you claim IB from a date WITHIN 6 months of failing the PCA, you would be subject to having to satisfy the PCA BEFORE your claim was accepted.

If you claim IB more than 6 months AFTER failing PCA, your claim would normally be accepted. You will of course be sent for another PCA as a matter of procedure.