National Insurance Contributions

[UKSWF]

If you can not work because of Illness, and can no longer claim benefits what happens to your National Insurance contributions (aged 55 with full NI contributions to date)? Thank you.

[hc4361]

Voluntary contributions are £2.95 a week
https://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/about-pensions/the-state-pension/voluntary-ni-contributions

[UKSWF]

I will be coming into a small inheritance which will take me over the means tested benefits limit, although I will ask if I can use some of the inheritance to reduce my mortgage

[hc4361]

Arrggghhh! £14.65 a week for you. Shocking, it is.

[UKSWF]

£2.95 per week is not too painful in the scheme of things!

[hc4361]

ESA isn't always means tested.

Unlike means-tested benefits, there is no income and savings test for contributory ESA. However, your ESA is reduced by half the amount of any pension or permanent health insurance payment received in excess of £85.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based

[UKSWF]

£14.65 a week is though!!!! I am really worried now!

[UKSWF]

I think I maybe entitled to the contribution based ESA from how I read that link which would mean I should continue to receive the Severe Disability Premium! I had better do some research fast!!!

[hc4361]

Good luck! It might be very beneficial for you to seek help from the claim experts at Citizens' Advice Bureau. Phone them tomorrow for an appointment.

[UKSWF]

Thanks I will do that, its pretty important now!

[THECORBYLOON]

What is due to happen in August that you'll have no income other than PIP?

[hc4361]

Have you actually been told you will be losing your benefits?

[hc4361]

Corbyloon, an inheritance will put him over the threshold for means tested ESA.

[UKSWF]

The "Entitled To" calculator does show I should be able to claim Contribution Based ESA as I am currently in the Income related support ESA "Support Group" ! Gosh it is confusing!

[hc4361]

Hopefully you will keep your ESA but lose any other means tested benefit you receive.
This may be applicable to your situation:
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/legal-updates/disabled-peoples-trusts-and-inheritance/5042238.article but you would need a lot more specialist advice before making any decisions.

[THECORBYLOON]

Premiums are paid only with Income Related ESA [ESA(IR)]and not Contributory ESA.

If you were to use some or all of your inheritance to pay off or reduce your mortgage, you would be doing so earlier than required.

A decision maker would need to consider whether continuing your entitlement to ESA(IR) was a significant reason for your actions. If they decide it was, that is deprivation of capital and you would be assessed as if you had that capital still.

[Maydup]

Did you check the link? At 55 you will be looking at the NEW state pension and the new qualifying periods that go with it. I dont think you need to worrupy about NI now but please take some advice elsewhere.

https://www.gov.uk/new-state-pension

[UKSWF]

Thank you, I will contact the Pension Advice Service in the morning and also Welfare Rights, it really is a minefield!

[THECORBYLOON]

You can complete a BR19 to ask for a pension forecast here, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-state-pension-statement

[UKSWF]

I requested my Pension Forecast by telephone (Freephone 0800 731 0175) Amazing fast service barely 3 mins on hold! I just needed to provide my NI number and date of birth, and confirm my address. The very pleasant chap said I should receive my forecast in the post with the next 3-5 working days!!!!

[hc4361]

That's great. Now find out about your benefits