On behalf of a friend/JSA query

di3004

Hi folks

I am a regular on here as you will see, but not used to this section and wondering if someone could please give some advice on this on behalf of a friend who does not have access to a computer, much appreciated, thank you.

Back in September 2011, just over 2 months ago, her hubby came out for work, luckily just for a short time.
He made a claim for JSA but received a letter which says this.....

Your claim for Job Seekers Allowance

We cannot pay you Job Seekers Allowance from 19 September 2011.

We cannot pay you because you have not paid, or been credited with enough Class 1 National Insurance Contributions and;

you have more money coming in than the law need you to live on.

We have used the tax years ending 5 April 2009 and 5 April 2010 to assess your claim.


....................................................................................

However, he started a new job very quickly on 3 October 2011.

They understand the with the money coming in part of it, where her hubby proved on statements they had £3K between them.

But they are confused on why they used the tax years of 5 April 2009 and 5 April 2010.

So any info will be a great help, although I do know her hubby was out of work for some time during 2009 to 2010 and was then claiming Income based JSA, she has confirmed this to me, but he started new full time employment in Jan 2010 and without a break was employed up until as stated above Sept 2011) until of course he found work again just a little time after in October 2011.

My mate is a full time carer for her grand parent and does not work but claims carers allowance. So not sure if that would intervene with her hubby making a claim for JSA, but the main query is the dates they have worked this one).

(My friend will appreciate any advice folks) and thank you.

p00hsticks

I'm not 100% sure, but my understanding is that the DWP use 'Benefit years' which run from January - December and when looking at NI contributions for contributions based benefit, will use the two full tax years immediately preceding the current 'benefit year'.

So the current 'benefit year' is 2011 and started in January 2011, and thoughout this year DWP will then reference the last complete tax year before the start of this benefit year (which is April 2009-April 2010) and the one before that (April 2008-9) when determining NI contributions.