I've paid Class 2 NIC for years - can I claim it back as I have Child Benefit?

I've just found out that being in receipt of child benefit can count as NIC. I've been self-employed for years, my youngest is 10, I've been paying voluntarily class 2 NIC as I didn't know. Can I claim a refund for the Class 2 and have the Class 3 applied? I have ADHD and difficulty with forms, I've never heard of chid benefit giving this credit.

Hi Helen Hall,
If you have made an error in paying Voluntary Class 2 NICs you can claim a refund. I would advise you to contact the DWP to check if a refund would affect your benefit entitlement.
If a refund is made and you later decide to pay again it may be too late or you may be charged at a higher rate.
You can claim a refund by completing form CA8480 and submitting it through your Personal Tax Account if you have one (if not, a Personal Tax account can be setup at gov.uk/personal-tax-account) or by writing to:
Self-Employment Services, National Insurance Contributions Office, HMRC, BX9 1AN. 
Thank you.