Job Seekers Allowence Eligibility??

Sam____2

why has a 6 year old thread been resurected?!?

lc936

Due to an injury at work I was forced to retire in December 2008 (after working for 27 years. In order to better myself I went to University and completed a BSc in BioScience in 2010 (graduated after being admitted directly into the final year). In 2010 I enroled in a MSc in Biotechnology and sucessfully completed the course in August 2011.
Whilst searching for employment I thought I would apply for Jobseekers Allowance. On attending the Job Centre I was informed that I was unable to claim due to the fact that I had not paid any national insurance for the last 2 years (whilst I was a student) and could not claim tax credit since my wife earns more than £27,000.
So after paying both TAX and NATIONAL INSURANCE for 27 years I walked away with nothing.
I must surley be entitled to something!!!!!!
Any suggestions.

Oldernotwiser

lc936 wrote: »

Due to an injury at work I was forced to retire in December 2008 (after working for 27 years. In order to better myself I went to University and completed a BSc in BioScience in 2010 (graduated after being admitted directly into the final year). In 2010 I enroled in a MSc in Biotechnology and sucessfully completed the course in August 2011.
Whilst searching for employment I thought I would apply for Jobseekers Allowance. On attending the Job Centre I was informed that I was unable to claim due to the fact that I had not paid any national insurance for the last 2 years (whilst I was a student) and could not claim tax credit since my wife earns more than £27,000.
So after paying both TAX and NATIONAL INSURANCE for 27 years I walked away with nothing.
I must surley be entitled to something!!!!!!
Any suggestions.

Contributory benefits are based on recent contributions rather than those made over a lifetime. You seem to have been correctly advised.