ESA and national insurance

Alison213

Hello, my name is Alison, this is my first discussion. I need a little bit of help.
my problem is this. 

I receive higher rate PIP I have hydrocephalus, fybromyalgia  and arthritis. I was managing my symptoms well until i contracted covid before vaccinations and ended up in hospital, since then I lost my business of 20years and suffer daily. I have put in a claim for ESA they have told me I’m entitled to this benefit, I’ve also had two assessments with them. The problem I have is this. They tell me they are not going to pay me because I have not paid enough NI for 21/22. 

I have telephoned the NI department and they told me I can not make up my stamp because I’m not working. How are you supposed to bring your N I up to date if you are on disability. I’m struggling to make my bills on time. Is anyone able to give me a bit of advice? 

poppy123456

To be entitled to payments for New style ESA you need to have the correct amount of NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. If you were self employed in tax years 21/22 then you can pay the shortfall which will be class 2.

Have you also checked entitlement to Universal Credit? It's a means tested benefit so whether there's any entitlement will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

You also mention you've had to assessments, was this the work capability assessment? If so what was the latest decision on that?

Alison213

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I was still self employed during those years. I will contact the National Insurance department again. Yes, I have just gone through the assessment process with ESA this is the second time. Apparently I was awarded not fit to work back in 2021 but I was unaware of this outcome. 

Again I was awarded not fit for work this time around, but told, they can’t give me any financial help because of the short fall in my NI. 

I did tell them that I didn’t  have enough stamp when they contacted me, but they said I should still have the assessments with the doctor. 

I have never received a payment from them.

poppy123456

Which group were you placed into? The WRAG or Support Group? 

Have you used a benefit calculator to check entitlement to UC? If you were placed into the Support Group for ESA then you’ll be entitled to the LCWRA element of UC from the start of your claim, 

Alison213

Thank you. I will check out the support group I was placed and do the benefits calculator. I only joined yesterday so, I’m just finding my feet. Thank you for your help. I do feel a lot better. Alison 

L_Volunteer

Have you managed to check out the support group you were placed in and use the benefits calculator yet @Alison213? If so, I am just wondering if you would like to share more with us about how this has gone for you and if we can do anything to help with this or with finding your feet. We are all here for you and supporting you the best we can