Can backdating NI contributions alter benefit class?

[David H]

I know if you back pay National Insurance credits you can make up any lost for your pension, but can it also change any benefits from means tested (like income support) to contributory (like incapacity benefit) in the same way. I suspect the lack of data on the DWP website indicates a negative.

[factor-fiction]

I only know it may be relevant to contribution-based Job Seekers Allowance for which you need to have made sufficient NI contributions. Currently I think it looks at NI contributions in 2006/07

[dzug]

I'm pretty sure that the NI contributions you pay to make up pension are a different 'class' of contribution to those needed for contributory benefits, so no they won't alter benefit class.

Not 100% sure though.

[David H]

Thanks both, that's what I suspected. I'd have thought they'd be only too pleased to take money up front for possible paid out in the future, but clearly their accountants know what's a good risk and what isn't.

[TCL-MUMPING]

Class 3 (voluntary) NI Contributions count toward only State Pension and Bereavement Benefits.