Contribution basesd JSA-how do you know if you're eligable??!

TRAVELMAN_2

Hi...my G/F (french national-lived in UK for 12 yrs) works 14 hours a week for the Local Education Authority-her contract is from September to May.

Is there any way to tell if she's eligable for contributions based JSA? Could we call & ask or is there any calculator on the web?

Any help would be great.

Thanks!

P.S. She's looking at contributions based as we live together & I'm working...however I'm not sure of wages as they'll be commision based.

DX2

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/contribution-based_jsa.aspx
Whether you qualify for contribution-based JSA depends on your national insurance contributions. If you have been working and paying national insurance contributions within the last couple of years, you may get it.
More info on the above link.

TRAVELMAN_2

Thanks dx2.....will have a good look. Do you know the qualifying ammt. of N.I. contributions needed?

dmg24

The problem you may have is that your gf works on a cyclical basis, and as such the JCP *may* allocate her income over the whole of the year, so reducing any entitlement. Unfortunately it is pretty much impossible to know if that will apply until you submit a claim.

The required NI amounts are on the sticky at the top of the board (towards the end of the thread there is one about JSA). They are last years figures, but will give you a rough idea.

TRAVELMAN_2

Thanks DMG24-will have a lok at the 'sticky'!

TRAVELMAN_2

Thanks!

Sorry to be thick....copied this from the JSA sticky....does this mean the total yearly contributions paid (ie on monthly wageslip it says 'total N.I. paid) or the ammt. earned? looking at for example the 08/09 figures...this would mean a monthly deduction of N.I. of £187-50. So in escence is JSA contributions based only paid on those with highish incomes?? By looking at a wage calculator you'd need to be on £26k p.a. to pay £187 ish N.I.....or have i got this completely wrong & am looking at the wrong bit of the sticky? Sorry to be thick....I do have a hangover today!

'In order to claim CB JSA you must have paid sufficient Class 1 NI Contributions in the relevant tax years (currently £2175 for 07/ 08 and £2250 for 08/ 09). Class 1 Contributions are paid by those in employment. CB JSA does not take into account other household income or savings/ capital, however it is only payable for up to 26 weeks.'

MrsMoo2U

Your girlfriend can just ring up the contact centre and give all of her details. They will then advise her if she is entitled to JSA (cont). NI contributions for the relevant tax years often equate to full time work. If you gf has only been part time during those years then it is unlikely that she will be entitled to JSA (cont). However she has nothing to lose by phoning the contact centre and giving all of the details. If you have children are you claiming working tax credits? Again the contact centre can go through all of this with her, including housing benefits etc.

TRAVELMAN_2

Thanks all....will enquire today.

TRAVELMAN_2

Hi guys/gals...phoned the N.I enquiry line...figures downstairs but approx £5300 in total wage earnt in previous tax year & year before was around £5700-so she does qualify-& as she was on a contract they don't look at the NUMBER of contributions but the total earnt in that tax year. Thanks again for all your help.