NI contributions

[sharonmanc]

I did not earn anything from childminding this past year and earned £1000 from exam marking, however I have paid NI contributions, am I right that I should have been exempt this past year , can I claim these back ?

[clareelizabeth1]

I believe you didn't have to pay them but don't know if u will get it back. If you miss paying it though it can affect your state pension.

[sharonmanc]

Thank you , I was going to add about my pension, but on my phone and pressed send by mistake.

I think I will keep paying regardless

[bunyip]

You need to call HMRC and ask about a 'Small Earnings Exemption'.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I don't think you will get much credit for small payments - they need to be made regularly each week/month/quarter but call the hmrc and find out

[bunyip]

I should've mentioned, before opting out, you need to remember that some benefits/pension etc. depend on having paid NI contributions for enough years. The required contribution period is getting ever longer, and spouse's/partner's contributions look like being ignored.

[munch149]

Depends on your situation but I won't stop paying as intend on having more children (not sure how soon) and if you don't pay you won't get maternity allowance. Other benefits are affected too