How to find out if I have enough NI contributions

Rachel_123

I am facing unemployment in December as my contract is ending

I'm not sure if I've made enough contributions for JSA, obviously going to be looking for a job but just before Christmas probably isn't the best time. I've been paying NI on and off over the past 2 years, from September 2009 I've been earning at least £400 a month, but quite often more with overtime, so paying a bit of NI. Is there a way I can find out for definate? Just trying to plan ahead. Ta

sleepless_saver

If you lose your job in December 2011, then as far as I understand it they would look at your NI contributions for the 2 tax years 2009-10 and 2008-09.

If you lose the job after the first Sunday in January 2012, they would look at your contributions for 2010-11 and 2009-10.

Can't help on how many contributions you need to have made during the period though.

Rachel_123

Ah I probably haven't then if I'm looking from April 2008, i was still at Uni. Definitely losing my job on 30th november.

sleepless_saver

Probably still worth signing on though. At a minimum you will get your NI credits, and depending on your circumstances you may get income related JSA.

MrsManda

You can contact the HMRC and ask for a National Insurance statement of account which will tell you what contributions you've paid/credits received

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

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10011010

But as sleepless saver said it still may be worth signing on as you'll get National Insurance credits which go towards things such as your state pension.

Rachel_123

Thanks-just what I was looking for!