HELP Missed/gaps in national insurance contributions

lkg-leicester_2

Hello all, Is there anyone out there that knows something about the rules and regs. regarding Nation Insurance contributions and "gaps" in payments ? If you could help I would be most grateful my predicament is as follows.... 5yrs ago my business folded after I became ill and I did not keep up my NICs shortly after I be came disabled and incapable to work because of this I was told by the JCP that the only benefit I could claim for was my NICs because I had gaps, this I did and was turned down twice I then went to the final independent arbitrator who granted it after 5 mins. So that brings me to now is it right that I can't claim for any other benefits ever, my wife seems to think that is the case, can this true after working 40yrs {I'm 55yrs now} and paying my do's, I should mention I do get DLA higher mob middle care.
If you can help I would be so grateful so here's hoping.
LKG.

MrsManda

You can call the National Insurance enquiries line on 0845 302 1479 (textphone 0845 915 3296) to ask for a statement of account. This will tell you if you have enough N.I. contributions in the qualifying years to qualify for contribution based benefits.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/NationalInsurance/IntroductiontoNationalInsurance/DG_190052

Contribution based benefits are dependent on qualifying years (usually the 2 years preceeding your claim I think).
You may still claim for National Insurance contributions (important for future benefit claims and state pension) and for income based benefits if you don't qualify for contribution based benefits.

McKneff

To claim state pension you only actually need 30 years contributions and over a working life of say 50 years that is not hard to do.
For state pension, gaps dont matter as long as yu have 30 years worth of contributions.