Hi, my name is Amber16! Problems with ESA and NI contributions, anyone had this?

Amber16

Hi.
I am new to this group and wanted to ask a question if that is ok? I recently applied for new style ESA. To cut a long story short I received a letter from the job centre stating I did not have enough NI contributions for the year 2023 to 2024. I spent six hours yesterday trying to sort this out with the job centre and got no where. In the afternoon a gentleman rang me he was really rude and told me to ring another number to enquire about my NI contributions. Unfortunately, that number wouldn’t answer the phone and we got cut off. This morning I have managed to have a web chat with HMRC and they said I have full contributions for the last six years with no gaps. They told me to re contact the job centre and ask them to a “benefit involved file” to the national insurance contributions and employers office and they would confirm there is no gaps in my NI contributions. Has anyone else had problems like this? I’ve now got to wait for a call back from DWP!! Not holding my breath for that!

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Amber16, welcome to the community. Sorry you've had such a hard time getting your claim sorted, that sounds really frustrating! This isn't something I've come across myself, but I hope some of our members might be able to share their experiences soon.

If you did want to have a look, you can check your NI contributions online:

Check your National Insurance record - GOV.UK

Hope you can get things sorted out quickly 😊

Amber16

Hi Rosie.

Thanks for the reply. I have checked on line I have full contributions and HMRC NI dept has confirmed this. They have stated the only year I have a gap is 1980 to 1981!!! I am still awaiting a phone call from the DWP who are supposed to be looking into this.

poppy123456

You can have full NI contributions but not qualify for New style ESA.

To qualify you will have needed to have worked at some point in tax years 2022/23 and 2023/24. When was the last time you worked?

If self employed you would need class 2 and if employed PAYE you would need class 1. If it’s class 3 you have then that doesn’t entitle you to ESA. You can see the qualifying conditions here. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based

Amber16

Hi Poppy.

Thanks for the reply. I worked right up until July last year (2024). I have been claiming SSP since then. This ran out on 08/02/25. The advisor at HMRC states I have full contributions from my NI contributions. They have asked for DWP to contact them so they can confirm that.

Amber16

Hi.

Just to update my post. I have been informed by the DWP this morning that a mistake was made with my claim. Apparently, this was due to a “glitch” on their system. I have now been awarded New Syle ESA. The moral here I think is if you feel the DWP isn’t right you must challenge them 😊

Rosie_Scope

Thanks for updating @Amber16, I'm glad it was all just a glitch!