advice needed

fairy.fly

I'm 42 i've not worked or cliamed benefits since the late 1990's
I was in a steady relationship until 2009 during this time my partner supported me the relationship ended and i moved back to my parents where i've been living ever since. since 2009 i've looked after my parents. During this time i haven't worked nor have i claimed benefits. upto this point My parents have paid for my food no rent or bills so my limited needs are met financially. I'd like to start an OU course but i don't have the financial means to do so. I've been told i can apply for financial support but since i'm not on JSA how can i do this ? my other concern is about the past 12 years where i haven't paid any contributions to my pension. will this have a great impact and how can i rectify this.

Emmzi

do you look after your parents as in a full time carer? If they need that, carer's allowance; if not, sign on and get your stamp paid!

I would phone the OU to ask about funding.

fairy.fly

No i don't get any benefits. I'm not sure i want to claim JSA as what do i say i've been doing for the past 12 years sitting on my bum ? Also can you claim JSA and do an OU course. I couldn't get a full time or even part time job as my parents couldn't cope i don't think.

they don't need a full time career dad is in his 80's and does have his off days they are so used to having me around i don't think they could cope without someone here. I don't want to claim JSA. thats my problem

[Deleted User]

carers allowance only if one of them gets DLA mrc or AA,as for pension you now only need 30 years contributions

fairy.fly

can someone get contributions paid while not claiming JSA ? I don't want to claim JSA i just want my contributions paid if thats possible. I'd love to do an OU course just for myself and perhaps for a future job.as my current situation won't continue forever.

Emmzi

I am not understanding a) they don;t need a carer but b) they could not manage without you.

It is one or the other!

Oldernotwiser

When are you planning in starting with the OU because the funding arrangements change next year. At the moment, you don't need to be claiming benefits to get financial help.

fairy.fly

Emmzi wrote: »

I am not understanding a) they don;t need a carer but b) they could not manage without you.

It is one or the other!

IMO they do need a carer especially dad but they don't want to claim for one. I owe my parents alot they have put a roof over my head and financial support. I'd just like to do something that helps me in the future the OU course would be ideal.

oldernotwiser: It says on the OU application for financial support that you need to be in receipt of the qualifying benefits or be below an income threshold as i don't have a job or claim benefits my income is 0. But i haven't payed any national insurance since the 90's so thats a mute point and something i know i need to resolve

Its quite ironic if i chose to claim JSA i'd get the fees payed although i would have to be available to work . and yet with my parents help pay my own way and i can't get something that would help me for the future.

the start date would be before the new prices started in 2012

rogerblack

fairy.fly wrote: »

can someone get contributions paid while not claiming JSA ? I don't want to claim JSA i just want my contributions paid if thats possible. I'd love to do an OU course just for myself and perhaps for a future job.as my current situation won't continue forever.

In principle you could get someone to pay your own contributions at 600/year or so.
(this may not be the exact rate)
It's also possible to pay up past years up to 6 years in the past I think.

merlin68

If your parents are getting middle rate care or attendance allowance. You can put a claim in for carers allowance. This would then pay you ni contributions and you can claim a top up of income supprt so you would get £67 a week.
They don't claim for the carer you do.

Oldernotwiser

fairy.fly wrote: »

oldernotwiser: It says on the OU application for financial support that you need to be in receipt of the qualifying benefits or be below an income threshold as i don't have a job or claim benefits my income is 0. But i haven't payed any national insurance since the 90's so thats a mute point and something i know i need to resolve

I think that, if your income is 0, you'll probably find that you're below the income threshold.;)

NICs are relevant to your future pension but I not to the OU.