I was on to another fella at USP and he said they'd stopped taking new applicants on Jan 1st because of the approaching deadline, thanks though appreciate info. All the posts have been such a huge help in getting (half!) a handle on the application. I'll go solo so !
I was not in employment directly before leaving the UK. I was in college for the year before i left. I was in employment before this and immediately upon returning to ireland until the present day. I was assessed as having to pay class 3 contributions even after appealing. Has anyone on this thread been in my situation successfully appealed this?
I feel that I am being penalised just because of that one year i was not in employment. I wonder should I just suck it up and apply for a loan to pay class 3 contributions. I understand it's still a great deal but at the same time feel that just because of the stipulation that I was not in employment directly before I left the UK is a bit harsh expecially since I worked before and after.
I know time is limited to try and appeal again so don't want to be wasting time. Is there anyone on here who has been in my situation and successfully appealed on the grounds that they have been in employment most of their working lives?