× Members

Contribution ESA if never worked

More
2 years 2 months ago #275317 by Mia
Hi all,

I have never worked, so never paid national insurance contributions. I am on enhanced PIP for both components. I am unable to apply for income support ESA as my saving are above the threshold.

I am wondering if, on this basis, I would be able to apply to contribution/new style ESA? It seems to me that one needs to have worked for at least 2 years?

I would be very grateful for any help.

Best,

Mia

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
2 years 2 months ago #275323 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Contribution ESA if never worked
Hi Mia

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum

Unfortunately the answer is no, you will not be able to apply for NS ESA.

New Style ESA is a Contribution Based benefit and is not means tested with the exception of pension income which can reduce the amount that you receive.

The Income Related benefit that goes with NS ESA is Universal Credit.

There are two national insurance (NI) contribution conditions, both of which you must met be entitled to ’New Style’ ESA. The first condition depends on your NI contributions that you have actually paid the relevant tax year. (if you make your ESA claim in the 2022 benefit year, you need to have paid 26 weeks contributions in one of the following tax years: 2019/20 or 2020/2021) there are exceptions.

For the second condition, credited NI contributions, as well as paid NI contributions count. In both cases, there is a relationship between ’tax years’ and ‘benefit years’, so it is important to know the difference.

NS ESA is a contributory benefit, not a means tested one. You would be making a claim on the basis that you are not fit for work so you will need to provide a Fit Note from your GP.

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mia

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
2 years 2 months ago #275324 by Mia
Replied by Mia on topic Contribution ESA if never worked
Hi Gary,

Thank you very much for your help.
If I paid in two tax years worth of contributions, would I then be able to qualify for NS ESA? Or does part of the NI contributions have to be via working?
In other words, is there any way in which, not having worked, I would be able to claim NS ESA?

Many thanks

Best wishes,

Mia

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
2 years 2 months ago #275330 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Contribution ESA if never worked
Hi Mia

Short answer is no, contribution ESA has to be earned.

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
2 years 2 months ago #275332 by Mia
Replied by Mia on topic Contribution ESA if never worked
Hi Gary,

Thank you for your reply. So this means, if I have never been able to work due to disability(and am highest PIP rate), I cannot claim NS ESA?

Sorry, just to clarify I am understanding properly.

Best wishes,

Anna

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
2 years 2 months ago #275334 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Contribution ESA if never worked
Hi Mia

There are some exceptions to the rule, such as receiving carers Allowance or Child benefit, I would advise you to seek help from your local Welfare Rights Organisation who can take all your circumstances into consideration; you can find your local Welfare Rights Organisation to help you with advice by clicking on the link below and putting in your post code, it will then come up with a MAP with a list of agencies. advicelocal.uk

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Mia

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserChrisDavid
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.