I have had the same decision, for my claim which arrived last week. I don't really understand NI contributions. Does that mean you have to have been working solidly for 2 years? for example if you had 2 months unemployed, does that mean you would not be eligible?
So basically you can't apply for ESA if you have been out of work at all in 2 tax years?
New Style ESA is a contributory benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.
You usually need to have met National Insurance conditions for 2 tax years – in 2022 the tax years are 2019-20 and 2020-21.
