I was medically retired from teaching 5 years ago. I was awarded tier 2, so am unable to carry out any type of employment. It has recently come to my attention that I have not been paying National insurance. I have spent hours on the phone, going backwards and forwards. Am I able to claim National insurance credits? Or should I be paying into my National insurance in order to secure my full state pension? Thanks in advance for any help/advice
Are you eligible for ESA or better still, EESA? Like JSA, look for them on DWP website. With ESA, unlike JSA, you get your stamp paid.
I’m sure you know this page inside out already but here’s a link for anyone else interested.
If you don’t qualify for NI credits through the benefit or other routes, and you have gaps in your record that you want to fill now to secure your full State Pension, then yes, you’ll have to make voluntary contributions to do that, as I understand it (which is not far). However, it’s complicated, and there are lots of things to think about as you decide what’s best for you. I must say that I found HMRC very helpful as they took me through my options with great patience a couple of years ago when it suddenly dawned on me that you have to have 35 years’ contributions these days to get full State Pension instead of 30 like in the Good Old Days! I hope that you also find someone calm and patient and well-informed to talk to and advise you.
Yes more years required for full pension but it is more than the old one. Take care with buying extra years. It is worthwhile but complicated.
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