Hi tournesolf/RG,

I have just discovered that so called family protection - ie NI credits - are automatically assigned to mothers so that their NI contributions are preserved during periods when they are home looking after their family rather than going out to paid employment. They are not automatically assigned to fathers who are in a caring role. So unless house husbands are clued up enough to request that NI credits are re-assigned to them, they lose out big time compared to women who are doing the traditional role.

My understanding, from http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/hrp.htm , is that Home Responsibilities Protection goes to whichever parent claims Child Benefit. I don't know if this helps in your case or not.

Regards,

Detail Merchant