National Insurance Credits

Morty
Morty Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Hi, I was dismissed from my job after 25 years on ill health grounds in 2016. I was on contribution based ESA for 12 months. I was sent for a WCA and got 0 points. I was too ill to appeal the decision. My ESA payments were stopped. The letter I received informing me of this did say they may still make NI credits. I did not ask for my claim to be closed. When I have asked HMRC if I am still getting NI credits they say I am not. I will have a 2 year shortfall on my state pension.

Can anybody advise if there is anything I can do?

Comments

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 1,891 Championing

    @Morty

    Welcome to the community. This kind of situation can be confusing, especially when it relates to something that happened years ago.

    You may still be able to challenge the old ESA decision if you can show you were too unwell to appeal at the time. DWP can look at very late requests when there’s good evidence.

    If that isn’t possible, you can usually buy voluntary NI contributions to fill the gap. HMRC handle the NI payments themselves.

    The Future Pension Centre can explain whether buying those missing years would actually increase your pension. Whether it’s worth doing will depend on your age and how close you are to retirement.

  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 17,338 Championing

    Hi @Morty - & welcome to the community from me too.

    You can also check your National Insurance record here: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

  • Morty
    Morty Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    Thank you for your help.

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