Apply for National Insurance Credits

The Isle of Man Government are encouraging those who are eligible to apply for National Insurance (NI) credits.

Are you a parent or guardian of a child under 12 who isn’t getting child benefit because of your family income level?

When your child was under 12 were you unable to claim child benefit at any time because of your family income level?

If you can answer “yes” to either of these questions you may be eligible for NI credits.

What are NI Credits?

• NI credits can help fill any gaps in your National Insurance record, which may help you qualify for a full State Pension.

Who Can Apply?

• Parents and guardians of children under 12 who do not, or did not, receive child benefit due to their family income level.
• Grandparents or foster parents caring for children under 12 who are not receiving child benefit.

Why Are NI Credits Important?

• NI credits help protect your future state pension entitlement, ensuring you have the financial security you deserve upon retirement.

Who isn’t eligible for NI credits?

• You cannot claim NI credits for any period after you’ve reached state pension age. 
• If you are, or have been, working and earning at least the lower earnings limit for National Insurance purposes (currently £123 a week or £533 a month) in any year, you don’t need these credits as your earnings will give you what is called a “qualifying year” for state pension purposes. 
• If you are, or have been self-employed and have paid a Class 2 National Insurance contributions for the period you were caring for a child. 

• You won’t be eligible for this type of NI credits if you’re already getting NI credits for another reason, for example because you get carer’s allowance or incapacity benefit from Social Security.
• If you’re in any doubt as to whether you’re eligible, please get in touch with us. We will be happy to help and advise you.

How to Apply:

To apply complete either of these forms:

• Form CH7: https://www.gov.im/media/1354887/ch7-application-for-ni-credits-january-2017.pdf if you are a parent or guardian of a child under 12; or
• Form CA1976 https://www.gov.im/media/1354888/ca1976-iom-january-2017.pdf  if you’re a grandparent or other “specified adult” who has been looking after a child under 12 whilst their parent has been working.

More information 

Visit the Treasury page on the Government website: https://www.gov.im/categories/benefits-and-financial-support/families-and-children/child-benefit/national-insurance-credits

For help and support, email the Child Benefit Team at childbenefit@gov.im or call them on 01624 685107.

Or you can visit a Social Security Office: 

• Douglas – Markwell House, Market St, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2RZ 
  (open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm, except on bank holidays)
• Ramsey – Ground Floor, Ramsey Town Hall, Ramsey IM8 1RT 
  (open Tuesday only 9:15am to 1:00pm and 1:45pm to 4:30pm)