Hi all, I've been lurking in the sidelines of this group as a low earner it mostly isn't relevant to me. But I wonder if you can help me with one thing. I just sent in my tax return as a self employed person. £6300 in profit. I declined to pay voluntary NIC contribution as times are tight, but I wonder how many years I can do that, and still be eligible for a state pension one day if such a thing still exists. I think if I receive child benefit it goes to NIC's on those years but I may not have understood thst correctly? (Can I add here to please be kind to me, I was torn between posting here or in 'explain like I'm 5!' I am autistic and really struggle with forms and money etc.)