NI credit - do you have to work all year?

[hansen]

Last year, I worked for a few months and paid a lot in NI contributions. Since them, I have not worked at all.

How do the NI credits work? Do you have to pay a certain amount in a year or simply pay something every month.

Can I claim some back as my total salary was only just over the threshold? If so is this automatic or do I need to do something?

Thanks

[Instinctive]

Ni contribution record for pension and benefit purposes is based on complete tax years only and not by reference to weeks or months.

Normally, according to my understanding, a minimum credit is required based on contributions equal to that of having paid NI on 52 x weekly lower earnings level.

NI contributions are not refundable unless deducted in error.

Ramnik
ramnikrp@hotmail.com

[hansen]

So are you saying that if I pay a total of over 79*52 = 4108 pounds in a year then I get a credit?

Also I heard that you can get some sort of credit if you are overseas for an extended period (over 6 months). Is this correct?