National insurance credits

edithluna
edithluna Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener
in Benefits and income

hi I’m unable to work due to my disabilities and mental health (and the lack of appropriate supportive jobs out there for disabled workers!!).

I am receiving PIP but nothing else as I’m not entitled to UC. I’m concerned about not getting my national insurance covered and how that will affect my pension when I’m entitled to it.

I was told I have to pay voluntary contributions but I’m living on such a small amount of money it seems unfair.

I wondered if anyone else had dealt with this and if there was a way I could get national insurance credits while I’m not working,

Thank you ☺️

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,376 Championing

    Hi,

    Depending on the reason you're not entitled to UC, you may be able to claim New Style ESA instead. Even if you're not entitled to the payments, that currently provides Class 1 NI Credits.

    There are some potential changes to NS ESA being discussed in government at the moment. So it may not be a long term solution.

  • Nightcity
    Nightcity Online Community Member Posts: 366 Empowering

    Is new style contribution based ESA an option?

  • edithluna
    edithluna Online Community Member Posts: 7 Listener

    thanks everyone. I’ve put in an application for ESA. The job centre didn’t mention that to me! 🙄 useless!

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 2,409 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    Here's some more information on what you could claim @edithluna https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/extra-help-pip-entitles-you-to/

    There's also the https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/ that could show you what else you might be able to claim.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,016 Championing
    edited November 25

    That's exactly what I do -

    You are not on Employment and Support Allowance but you satisfy the conditions for it - Apply for New Style ESA to get Class 1 credits. (worth £17.75 per week)

    It should be so much easier to claim - but I had to jump through hoops to even find out that I was entitled to it ! You have to fill in the ESA application form even though you don't receive any payment…

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