Can I transfer National Insurance credits to my partner if I claim Child Benefit?
If you're working and getting Child Benefit, you might be building up more National Insurance credits than you need. If the higher earner in a couple is paying National Insurance, they get no benefit from the credits that come with Child Benefit, but their lower-earning partner might need these credits to protect their future state pension.
Higher earning parents can transfer National Insurance credits to their partner if they're not working or are on a low income and not paying National Insurance contributions. Higher earning parents can make transfer claims annually after the end of each tax year. HMRC may accept late applications from couples wanting to transfer National Insurance credits retrospectively if they can prove the delay was 'reasonable in the circumstances' and meet all other conditions.
A parent who is not working must be the one named on the form to get child benefit. Credits are worthless to someone employed and already paying enough National Insurance to get a full state pension.
If you're a parent or carer, you can claim or transfer Class 3 National Insurance credits using form CF411A.
Credits for grandparents and other family members who care for the children
Other family members aged 16 and over looking after a child aged under 12, such as grandparents or siblings, may be able to get 'specified adult childcare credits' for looking after a child because that child’s parents (or primary carers) are working. You can only claim these if the child benefit claimant does not need the credits themselves – for example, if they are working. If you qualify, your contribution record will be credited with Class 3 contributions that may allow you to build up enough contributions to receive a state pension or to increase the amount you would otherwise receive. You must claim these credits on GOV.uk. They will not be automatically added to your record.
Use form CA9176 to apply for National Insurance credits if you're an adult caring for a child under 12.
Further information can be found on the GOV.uk website.
RNIB Specialist Advice Service Advisors can give further information on this topic
