Job Seeker's Allowance (Contribution Based)

[Eminster]

I am a married female with no children who has just signed on for JSA. I have worked full-time continually for
27 years and have never claimed for any sort of benefit
before. I have just been told that I cannot get contribution
based JSA because I have not paid enough NI over the
last two tax years. I have been working part-time over the
past three years as a temp as I developed a medical condition. Does this mean that although I have paid full contributions for 27 years that this cannot be taken into consideration at all? - Many thanks for your response.

[hoohgoo]

what is your medical condition? i would look to go on to disability allowance you will get double the money from it than you would on jsa iv been where you are now and didnt want to sponge off the goverment but why have you been paying tax all those years for a moment like this.
hope this has helped.and yes thats right you wont get a top up on jsa.

[Eminster]

I have multiple sclerosis and I have been looking to claim DLA. I think that I will only get the lower rate as I am, at present, reasonably well with it. I work part-time as I do suffer from fatigue from this condition. They also could not tell me at the Job Centre that if I took a part-time job, if my NI contributions would be enough if ever I should try to claim in the future. I have an appointment with the Disability Employment Advisor soon and I was told that I could not get advice unless I officially signed on for JSA - seems bad as I wanted to avoid claiming benefits entirely. Thanks for your help.

[kita1]

Try your local Citizens Advice. They have special Benefits advisors and can tell you what you are entitled to claim and how to go about it. They are used to dealing with the Job Centre staff etc. and their advice is free.