Carers Allowance NI Credits and JSA (C)

network1

Stopping my Carers Allowance because now able to work full-time. Can someone tell me if you can claim contribution based JSA? The two tax years before the year of the claim have been credited with NI class one contributions because of CA. Will also make the claim in the week CA stops as I realise this is another condition for JSA (C).

rogerblack

There is no need to stop CA because you can work fulltime.
You can continue to claim CA even while claiming JSA.
(It's treated somewhat differently, and then provides a 'carers premium' on JSA)
Assuming you remain caring.
As I understand it, JSA(C) requires NI contributions from working in at least one of the two relevant years.
So, if you were not working in 09/10 and 10/11 - then you do not qualify.

network1

Thank you for your reply. I know you can earn £100 and still receive CA but my caring role isn't as it was so I want to stop it and look for full time work. It will be great to earn a full time wage, CA is after all a pittance. I wanted to know if the NI class one credits awarded with CA, qualify for JSA(C).

network1

New Claims at Jobcentre Plus and when my JSA(C) claim was processed both said I did not qualify for JSA(C).
Asked them to contact the National Insurance Office to check my NI record and I am pleased to say I do qualify and can receive JSA(C). So this is for anyone in a similar position to me.
I left work and received Carers Allowance for a number of years without a gap. CA stopped and made a claim for JSA(C) because I wanted to actively look for work. Ni class 1 credits issued with CA in the two tax years before my claim have linked back to my employment and paid contributions. So I qualify for JSA(C).