Contribution based JSA

Zephyr6

Sorry if this has been done before, but.....
June 2010 made redundant after 19 yrs (part time)
Approx 6 wks unemployed not claiming
Aug 2010 new job (fulltime)
Dec 2010 new job (part time)
Oct 2011 job ends (maternity cover)
Still unemployed and not claiming. Do have savings over the limit, but i have been working since i was 15, just had 2yrs off when son was small, and its taken me all my life to save a bit and i really dont want to blow it on living. Willing and able to work, but not even getting an interview
Was hoping to get CB based JSA for the 6 mnths to help me out.
But as ive got a few missing contributions, do you think its not going to happen and if so, is it possible for me to pay up the stamps for last year and then be able to claim

Owain_Moneysaver

The easiest way is to apply for JSA (CB) and they'll tell you if you don't have sufficient contribs. IIRC it's the two years before the current year which count towards current benefits.

Even if you don't get any money you will get NI credits which go towards your eventual basic state pension.

You can pay up missing NI contributions for up to 10 years, but they go towards your pension and don't qualify you for current benefits. You can get details of your contribution history and state pension forecast on application

Caz3121

If you claim now they will look at your contributions for Apr08-09 and Apr09-10 where you appear to have been working the whole period all be it part time. Whether you will qualify will then depend on what NI you paid (if your part time wage was enough to trigger NI)

After Jan 12 they will use Apr09-10 and Apr10-11

zagfles

Caz3121 wrote: »

If you claim now they will look at your contributions for Apr08-09 and Apr09-10 where you appear to have been working the whole period all be it part time. Whether you will qualify will then depend on what NI you paid (if your part time wage was enough to trigger NI)

After Jan 12 they will use Apr09-10 and Apr10-11

Yes, though don't actually have to have paid NI, your income needs to be above the LEL which is now £102pw, in 2009 it was £95pw.

You don't start paying NI till a higher threshold of £139pw (£110 in 2009).

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/nic.htm