National insurance contributions? please help?

Question

i have not worked since 2002 due to my girlfriend being sick,

still i am getting billed for national insurance contributions,

i have phoned hm revenue and customs a dozen times saying ive been unemployed for the last 6 years..i was working self employed prior for 3 years

do i really need to pay this bill, its only for £115 so i am not sure when and how i owe this money

Answer 1

If you don't pay your NI, you will get reduced pensions when you retire.  Your choice, but if you don't pay it, I'd advise you consider other pension plans.

Answer 2

You don't have to pay, it is voluntary and it is to make up your yearly stamp. This is important for your State Pension and other benefits.

I take it you are claiming Carers Allowance, if so you will get Class 1 credits assigned to your account for each week you are paid carers allowance. You should check with the Carers Unit of the DWP that your are being credited with Home Responsibility Protection (which pays you full stamp), if you are not they will send you a HRP form, you can get this backdated 3 years so in your case it will be Worth completing this form

As long as you have been full time Carer, even if not getting Carers Allowance, you qulify for HRP. It may be that the 115 is for a period before Carers Allowance started so fill the HRP form.

It is a HRP form ref CF411, get it from the Cares Allowance Unit 01253 856 123 get it backdated 3 years and this will cover the NI conts and may pay off the 115 for you to protect your pension

Answer 3

If you are claiming Care Allowance, you automatically pay a Class 1 National Insurance Contribution.

The National Insurance payment is to cover you, so that you will be entitled to a pension when you reach retirement.

Answer 4

If you have not registered as unemplyed then you will continue to be billed for NI contributions. It could also be for Ni contributions when you were working as self employed.