Buying NI contributions- to be entitled to NS ESA?

Hi all,

Have a client who is not entitled to means tested benefits.

He has been working abroad but wants to buy NI contributions to fatten up his potential state pension.

He has asked if he buys the last two years NI contributions whether he would then be entitled to New Style ESA as currently he does not have enough NI contributions in the last two years?

I hope this makes sense?

I think if they buy voluntary contributions they would be Class 3 which do not count towards ESA which requires Class 1 or 2 contributions.

Ianb - 20 March 2019 10:20 PM

I think if they buy voluntary contributions they would be Class 3 which do not count towards ESA which requires Class 1 or 2 contributions.

Thanks Ian. I have tried to look that up. Any idea where I can find the regs regarding this?

ub40worker - 21 March 2019 11:16 AM

Ianb - 20 March 2019 10:20 PM

I think if they buy voluntary contributions they would be Class 3 which do not count towards ESA which requires Class 1 or 2 contributions.

Thanks Ian. I have tried to look that up. Any idea where I can find the regs regarding this?

Not the regs but info is here
NI classes https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/national-insurance-classes
What NI is for https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/what-national-insurance-is-for

Ianb - 21 March 2019 01:32 PM

ub40worker - 21 March 2019 11:16 AM

Ianb - 20 March 2019 10:20 PM

I think if they buy voluntary contributions they would be Class 3 which do not count towards ESA which requires Class 1 or 2 contributions.

Thanks Ian. I have tried to look that up. Any idea where I can find the regs regarding this?

Not the regs but info is here
NI classes https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/national-insurance-classes
What NI is for https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance/what-national-insurance-is-for

Cheers Ian.