Unemployment due to lockdown but can't get Universal Credit

deliclare

Hi

My husband is self employed and works in construction. He has been out of work since lockdown started. 
He applied immediately for Universal Credit and has been turned down as he hasn't made enough class 1 National Insurance contributions. He has tried calling them (as that is what the letter tells him to do) but it simply says they are busy and the line goes dead. We are now trying to live on my Teaching Assistant wage. How can my husband get this sorted out (he has filed all his tax returns and paid all his tax) and is there any possibility of him getting back dated Universal Credit as and when the local Jobseekers open?

Thanks 

[Deleted User]

 You sure he didn't apply for new style job seekers allowance? 

poppy12345

Are you sure it was Universal Credit he applied for because this isn't about NI Contributions because it's a means tested benefit.

It sounds like it was New Style JSA that he applied for because this is a Contributions based benefit and self employed people can't claim this.

It's UC you need to look at and because it's a means tested benefit you claim as a couple. Use a benefit calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/

A claim for UC will end any tax credits you may already be claiming. Savings/capital of more than £16,000 will exclude you.

Jeremy535897

I think you must mean he can't get new style JSA? That requires Class 1 contributions.

deliclare

I will check this right now - thanks!