Nat Ins contributions two year rule

greenview1

Cab anyone tell me the reason for the introduction of the "Two year rule" for Nat Ins contributions that stops you claiming JSA and Invalidity benefit.Many Thanks.

seven-day-weekend

Do you mean that you cannot claim these benefits unless you've paid NI contributions in the last two years?

If so, I would imagine it's because if you were not earning enough to pay NI for two years, then you are not going to suffer great hardship if you were off work through sickness or unemployment, also your benefit payment may work out more than you were actually earning, if you were not earning enough to pay NI contributions..

This is only my opinion though, I don't know the 'official' answer.