Denied Jobseekers Allowance

hivoodoodoll

Two years ago, I took voluntary severance from work. I had originally planned to take one year off, but it migrated into two years.

In those two years, I have set up as a sole trader and have been selling my paper crafts on Etsy and through a shop locally where I live. This is great, but unfortunately it’s not making me much money and it’s really just a hobby. I made a loss last year and it will probably be the same this year.

I submitted a self-assessment tax form last year but have not been paying any national insurance. A friend said that now I am starting to look for work. I should claim jobseekers allowance in case I don’t find anything. 

I completed the paperwork and today I found out that I am not able to claim anything because I did not pay any national class one national insurance last year. Just wanted to make sure this is right or if there’s anything I can do to appeal

p00hsticks

Yes it's right. The only type of JSA available to new claimants now is 'new style' JSA that is dependent on paying sufficient NI over the last two tax years, which you appear not to have done. 

The other option available to you is Universal Credit, providing you don't have savings over £16k.

HillStreetBlues

That is correct for JSA  you need Class one stamps for the previous two tax years.
Depending on your situation you could claim Universal Credits.

peteuk

Just to add its two pervious years not last 24 months, so as we are in 2024, its for the whole of 2022 and 2023.

HillStreetBlues

peteuk said:

Just to add its two pervious years not last 24 months, so as we are in 2024, its for the whole of 2022 and 2023.

It's not years it's tax years, so currently 21-22 & 22-23 and it will remain that way until Jan 25 when the new benefit year starts.