Will making NI gap paid up gain me ESA/Jobseekers?

Lady_Medusa

I made a claim for ESA which was turned down as I hadn't paid enough National Insurance in one of the relevant tax years because I was only working part-time. I will soon be coming off ESA and applying for Jobseekers Allowance, which will doubtless also be refused for the same reason.

Today I received a letter from HMRC referring to the tax year causing me the problem, and saying I can pay an amount to make up the gap which will then mean that the year in question becomes a qualifying year towards a state pension.

Would this also mean that the year would count as qualifying towards benefits? Would it be worth paying the difference before I apply for Jobseekers Allowance, or would it make no difference - is paying the shortfall only relevant to my eventual pension?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

sammyjammy

Voluntary contributions don't count towards benefits such as JSA and ESA they only count towards your state pension.

princessdon

No - they are for Pension Contribution not benefit contribution only, it's only relevant to having 30 years pension contributions so if you think you can make that up (or are close to having it anyway) there is no need to pay this amount.