NI Contributions and JSA - clarification needed!

Mouschka

I am about to be made redundant and have worked part time in the same job without a break for eight years. I have paid NI contributions every month on my very low earnings but I am confused as to whether I will be able to claim contribution based JSA.
Please can somebody tell me in simple terms whether there is a minimum amount in terms of money I need to have paid in NI contributions to qualify?
I've read so much stuff about this but I'm getting nowhere!
Any help would be appreciated so I can sort out a budget for the upcoming job seeking period.

sammyjammy

If you make a claim in 2010 the tax years looked at will be 2006/07 and 2007/08, the lower earnings limits for each tax year are £84 and £87 respectively.

1. Class 1 contributions paid on earnings equal to at least 25 x Lower Earnings Limited (LEL) in respect of one of the last two complete tax years before the beginning of the relevant benefit year; and
2. Class 1 contributions paid on earnings and/or Class 1 credits equal to at least 50 x LEL in both of last two tax years before the beginning of the relevant benefit year.

stazi

Sorry sammyjammy, but JCP will use the tax years 07/08 & 08/09 to decide a JSA claim in 2010.
The earnings needed are-at least £4350 for 07/08, and £4500 for 08/09 to qualify for JSA.