Contribution based JSA

hr100

I'm wondering if anyone can help me.

I applied for contribution based ESA pre April this year, I was declined as hadn't paid my NI contribution for the previous 2 years. I also was not eligible for income based as I own a house I rent out (which just covers the mortgage) and then I live elsewhere rent free.

I wasn't able to work due to ill health but not feel well enough to start looking for a job, could I apply for contribution based JSA as the new tax year now means I do have 2 previous years of full NI payments?

Thanks

calcotti

hr100 wrote: »

I'm wondering if anyone can help me.

I applied for contribution based ESA pre April this year, I was declined as hadn't paid my NI contribution for the previous 2 years. I also was not eligible for income based as I own a house I rent out (which just covers the mortgage) and then I live elsewhere rent free.

I wasn't able to work due to ill health but now feel well enough to start looking for a job, could I apply for contribution based JSA as the new tax year now means I do have 2 previous years of full NI payments?

Thanks

The benefit years and tax years are different. Any contribution based benefits application made in the calendar year (benefit year) of 2018 will look at the two tax years 2015-16 and 2016-17. An application made now will look at the same tax years as an application made in January, February or March. If you want the tax years considered to be 2016-17 and 2017-18 you will need to wait until January 2019 to make a claim. The benefit year starts on the first Sunday of January which in 2019 is 6th January so any claim from 7th January onwards should be OK.

If you are in a Universal Credit area you will need to apply for 'new style' ESA/JSA. I think by January the UC rollout will be complete so this will apply but you can check the date here https://ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate

You only get contribution based JSA for 6 months.

hr100

Thank you so much for your help. That explains things very well to me.