NIM30028 | Special Cases: Married Women: Background: Position from 6 April 1975: Phasing out of elections

Regulation 100 of the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 1975

A married woman was able to choose to pay contributions at the reduced rate until 11 May 1977. After that date the option was abolished but a married woman who had already made an election was allowed to keep it.

Regulation 101 of the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 1975

If, however, a period of two consecutive years starting from 6 April 1978 elapsed during which no contributions were paid, she lost her right to pay at the reduced rate and the election was automatically cancelled (see NIM30004).

Extensive publicity was given to the new rules in the national press. The option to cancel the choice to pay reduced rate contributions was available by making an application in writing to the DSS.