Not paid enough NI Contributions - can't get sick pay!!

[tiger79]

I have been signed off work for the last 3 months due to an operation, applied for statutory sick pay based on my National Insurance contributions. Thought this would be fine as paid no problem a couple of years back when I had a different op (only 2 weeks last time). Unfortunately had a letter saying my NI contributions for 2011/12 weren't enough to cover sick pay. I thought they take into consideration all of the years I have paid NI when I was an employee (10 years) but appears not.

I am pretty sure I can apply to get it another way based on all income coming into the house but this means them looking at all outgoings and my partners income too, so will be a long dragged out process, providing they let me amend the claim!

I am now worried that paying just class 2 NI contributions won't be enough to provide me with a full pension at retirement age (I'm 33 now). Should I start paying voluntary contributions now??

I'd appreciate some advice from someone who knows what they are talking about!

[SwanLake]

I had the same as they only look at the previous couple of years. I now pay my NI irrespective of my earnings. x Hope you feel better soon x

[sarah707]

You can get a pension forecast which will tell you if you need to make a top up.

I remember when I did one a few years ago I was ok because my children were at home - but once they got to a certain age I needed to add to my contributions - but when I checked the numbers putting extra into the pension pot now made about 2p a week difference when I got to 65!!

Possibly slightly more than 2p but you get my meaning?

[tiger79]

Thanks very much x

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I know that for mat leave you can pay the difference to get MA - maybe you can do the same for SSP. Worth asking