End of ESA(C) - keep claim open ?

I have read the FAQ but could someone please clarify if I have understood this correctly.

A friend is in the WRAG and has now received her 365 days of ESA(C) and is not entitled to ESA(I). She has a long term disability and is highly unlikely to work again.

She has already paid 30 years NI contributions, so does not need any more to get her pension.

Am I right in thinking though, that unless she keeps her current claim open (ie claim for NI credits), if in the future, something was to happen that would entitle her to the Support group, she would not be able to make a new claim, due to not have paid any NI contributions for the relevant tax year ?

So is it generally sensible for people in this position to keep claiming NI credits just in case their condition gets worse or they develop another health problem that would entitle them to be in the Support group ?

judexx wrote:

I have read the FAQ but could someone please clarify if I have understood this correctly.

A friend is in the WRAG and has now received her 365 days of ESA(C) and is not entitled to ESA(I). She has a long term disability and is highly unlikely to work again.

She has already paid 30 years NI contributions, so does not need any more to get her pension.

Am I right in thinking though, that unless she keeps her current claim open (ie claim for NI credits), if in the future, something was to happen that would entitle her to the Support group, she would not be able to make a new claim, due to not have paid any NI contributions for the relevant tax year ?

So is it generally sensible for people in this position to keep claiming NI credits just in case their condition gets worse or they develop another health problem that would entitle them to be in the Support group ?

Hi,

Yes, your thoughts are basically correct.

It is down to the person in question to weigh up the pros' and cons (potential of a future Support Group Claim etc v having to attend wfi's etc etc) and make their decision from there.

It maybe wise for your friend to get some face to face advice to go through all potential scenarios (ie likelihood they may need to go into the SG in the future) before making a final decision.

Pete

Thanks both Pete and Gordon for such quick replies - it feels like a potential mine field out there !

You are right, jude, and I suspect that we will not really know how the system works until a little way down the line.