Claiming backdated NI credits for a period going back 5 years

Hi @Victoriad, welcome to the community.  Happy New 2018 
Lets as @BenefitsTrainingCo  to assist you here. 

Hi @Victoriad, 
The Benefit Adviser will get back to you soon. 

Hi @Victoriad

Unfortunately if you have simply failed to claim anything over the past 10 years, even with good cause, you cannot simply go back and claim it now. So I don't think it would be possible to make a credits claim for that period.

If you're 60 though, it's worth checking your entire working life to make sure all the years of work are accounted for. If you're willing to set up an online account with hmrc, you can check this online https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

Aside from this - there are three points I would like to make to you. Firstly, that even if your contribution record is not complete, you will still receive State Pension, it will just be at a reduced rate - again you can follow the link above to see how much you will receive; Secondly, if your income on State Pension is below the amount the government thinks you need to survive on you can claim Pension Credit as a top-up (which is like Income Support for pensioners); and thirdly, at the present time, you could still make a claim for ESA (credits only if household income/capital is too high) and possibly receive 5 years credits before State Retirement age depending on your date of birth.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you want to know anything more on this.

Kind regards,

Mary

Hi victoriad,

Unfortunately the only way to start a claim for ESA is with a sick note (sorry I still call them sick notes) from the GP. If you can't get that your claim will fail. It sounds like you have a case to complain about your GP, or could you not ask to be assessed by a different one? Some information on complaining about a GP can be found here:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/nhs-and-social-care-complaints/nhs-complaints-who-is-your-complaint-against/complaints-about-gps/

I hope you can get this sorted because it sounds really important to you! Good luck.

Lee

Hell Victoriad

Given that you have worked full time for 30 years it really is worth checking to see your contribution record and what your current and potential state retirement pension entitlement is. My colleague Mary posted the link above. 

Could you also please explain to me what you mean by 'under a CTO from a hospital psychiatrist.' Does this in some way keep you under the care of the hospital? Out of interest is your CPN and psychiatrist aware that your GP thinks that you are able and fit to work?  

Although it is expected that a GP would give a fit note the legislation actually talks about a doctor giving a fit note.  Has your psychiatrist ever issued a Fit Note?

Please keep us posted

Maria