Been told I can't claim JSA

Moaner

Hi everyone, need some advice please.
I've been a full time Mum for 3 years now but I now need to go back to work. I applied for JSA but have been sent a letter informing me that I do not have enough Class 1 NI contributions, so wont be getting JSA.

I understand that there are two types of JSA -contribution and Income. The letter sent to me just refers to JSA.

So, can I still get Income based JSA? They haven't mentioned this in their letter, but have said I can appeal. There must be lots of people job searching who are in the same position as me. Please help!

Mollycat13

As you wouldn't have paid NI contributions during the qualifying year, you can't get contribution based JSA.

Income based JSA is based on household income. As you have made no mention of claiming income support as a lone parent, I will assume you have a working partner. Your partners income would be taken into account for an income-based JSA claim. If they earn more than the couple rate (approx £110 per week) (this is a very rough guess) you would not be entitled as earnings are too high.