National Insurance Credits whilst on Universal Credit

Timcar

Hi everyone

I have a query regarding receiving NI Credits whilst on Universal Credit. I’ve had a continuous claim since December 2018 and was told I would receive National Insurance Credits whilst on UC. Looked into my gov.uk National Insurance contributions account and noticed I’ve not been awarded any credits for April 2019-2020. My UC claim has been continuous and I have contacted both Universal Credit and HMRC, who each say responsibility for awarding NI Credits lies with the other department-eg Universal Credit say take it up with HMRC, and vice versa. 
Anxiety is reaching new heights, and just wondered if anyone has had any similar experiences, and how to proceed? 

Timcar

Any information at all would be greatly appreciated 

calcotti

You should receive Class 3 NI credits while on a UC claim. As to who is supposed to do what in order for these to be applied I don't know. If you are completely stuck ask your MP to bang heads together.

woodbine

Are you worried that you will end up with not enough N.I credits for a state pension?
I would write to hmrc in the first instance.

Timcar

Hi woodbine and thanks for response.

I think the main reason I’m worried re the National Insurance Credits is that in my Gov.uk Personal Tax account there is absolutely nothing there at all-it simply states there is no information re National Insurance for the 2019-2020 year. There should be Credits there and a record that I’m in receipt of Universal Credit. The issue regarding State Pension is a slight worry but there are also concerns that maybe in the future I may need to apply for a contributions-based Benefit and be unable to because of an error on the part of the DWP and/or HMRC. I’ve communicated with both of these organisations and even though they acknowledge an error I feel I’m being told “Oops, sorry about that, can’t be bothered to help you with it though”. I know they are very busy, but a mere acknowledgement that they will sort it out at some point would be a start.

woodbine

Then perhaps calcotti's advice to involve your MP may help?

Timcar

calcotti said:

You should receive Class 3 NI credits while on a UC claim. As to who is supposed to do what in order for these to be applied I don't know. If you are completely stuck ask your MP to bang heads together.

Thanks Calcotti I think that will be the outcome in the end. From the limited information they’ve given me, HMRC apply the credits based on data on the UC system. My claim has been continuous since December 2018, but somehow this does not filter through to HMRC, which is where it gets confusing. But I’m quite prepared to contact my constituency MP. I’m waiting for some advice tomorrow because there could be another step to take prior to this. 

Stay Safe 

Timcar

I think so, but someone from Scope is getting back to me tomorrow to clarify the procedure. 

calcotti

Timcar said:..but there are also concerns that maybe in the future I may need to apply for a contributions-based Benefit and be unable to because of an error on the part of the DWP and/or HMRC.

The Class 3 NI Credits you get (should get) on Uc count towards your State Pension but nothing else. They would not count towards any other contribution based benefits.

Timcar

Right many thanks calcotti