Contribution Based Benefits and Full Time Education

MrsManda

The application form for benefits such as ESA and JSA ask whether you've been in full time education in the previous 4 years.
If you've been in full time education do they look at N.I. contributions prior to you starting the course for eligibility for contribution based benefits?

E.g. if someone had paid full N.I. contributions during the 05-06 and 06-07 financial years, then studied full time from 2007-2009 then applied for benefits in 2009 would they be assessed on the 07/08 financial year and only be eligible for income assessed or on 06/07 and be eligible for contributions based?

Is there a difference between JSA and ESA? I was just wondering why they ask about the education. Anyone know?

fresian_cow

Hi, I'm not sure on the exact answer to your question but I was uni 2001 - 2004 and in 2007 claimed JSA. Initally the JSA (conts) was turned down and when I rang up to ask why they said I hadn't paid enough contributions for the tax year 2004/2005. I said I had worked all of the time when I wasn't at uni (April - June) and they said this hadn't been recorded on the form and then allowed me to claim. Not sure what difference this made - maybe someone else can advise.

Oldernotwiser

If you haven' paid the relevant NICS whilst in education, you won't be eligible for contributions based benefits.

stuart30

MrsManda wrote: »

Is there a difference between JSA and ESA? I was just wondering why they ask about the education. Anyone know?

In terms of money..for me no there's none,both pay the same rate.

As in actual benefit then yes there worlds apart.