JSA - NI Credits?

MetalLaLa

Hi everyone,

I left my previous job in Nottingham to move to North Lincolnshire in August as I relocated due to getting married. I have been looking for work since then. I have applied for JSA, and have been asked to bring my P45. However, my concern is that I have heard of people getting letters saying that because they have not paid enough NI contributions, they are unable to claim JSA, but may be able to sign on for credits. Would anyone please be able to clarify that if this does happen, would I still be paid the standard weekly allowance amount for income based jobseekers, or recieve none at all because I have not paid enough NI, or that my reason for leaving my previous job means I am not entitled to anything at all?

McKneff

The criteria for paying JSA is your NI contributions for the past full two tax years. 2008/08 and 2009/10.

Or it could be 2009/10 and 2010/11 not sure, but its certainly not based on your recent NI contributions.

MetalLaLa

If I have paid little or no NI contributions in the two previous tax years, does that mean I won't qualify for JSA based on your knowledge?

Torry_Quine

MetalLaLa wrote: »

If I have paid little or no NI contributions in the two previous tax years, does that mean I won't qualify for JSA based on your knowledge?

As you are married for income based the total income and savings of the home is taken into account so unlikely to qualify if the other person is working. You can still sign on though and will be credited for NI which goes towards pension entitlement and gives you access to all services from job centre.

MetalLaLa

Torry_Quine wrote: »

As you are married for income based the total income and savings of the home is taken into account so unlikely to qualify if the other person is working. You can still sign on though and will be credited for NI which goes towards pension entitlement and gives you access to all services from job centre.

My husband earns less than the income threshold and we don't own a home or have a significant amount of savings so that might swing it for me, but thank you for your help

Lady_gaga

MetalLaLa wrote: »

My husband earns less than the income threshold and we don't own a home or have a significant amount of savings so that might swing it for me, but thank you for your help

does he earn less than £105 per week?

dseventy

Lady_gaga wrote: »

does he earn less than £105 per week?

Was just about to post this Lady_gaga.

If the OPs husband earns more than £105 a week, the OP will not be entitled to income based JSA.

D70

MetalLaLa

It's frustrating to find I'm not entitled to anything because of my husband's earnings and lack of NI contributions, but thanks for your answers.