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Can I top up my NI to claim New Style ESA?

invisibility
invisibility Posts: 63 Forumite
Fifth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
in Benefits & tax credits
When I check my NI record for the last two years (which I believe is what it goes off) I have one full year and one partial year and it gives me the option of topping up the partial year to full for £400. Would this then qualify me for new style/contribution based ESA?

I don't know if I'll need it yet but I want to know what my options are if I find myself without an income as I'm inbetween jobs, waiting for occupational health clearance for my new job and unsure if I'll get it given I've just been diagnosed with cancer (didnt know when I was offered the job). So I may not have any job.

Comments

  • sportsarb
    sportsarb Posts: 1,069 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    Voluntary contributions won’t entitle you to ESA but if you were self employed and due to pay class 2 NICs then you could pay them and potentially be entitled.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Posts: 15,696 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A claim for new style ESA now will look at the years April 2016 - March 2017 and April 2027 to March 2018. The 2018 - 2019 will not be looked at.
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • invisibility
    invisibility Posts: 63 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    calcotti wrote: »
    A claim for new style ESA now will look at the years April 2016 - March 2017 and April 2027 to March 2018. The 2018 - 2019 will not be looked at.

    Even worse for me then. Thanks anyway.
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