Lwrca and ni credits

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sammy01

Hello, can you help with some information please.

I was awarded LCWRA in 2022, but no financial payments as previous two years I had gaps in NI contributions .

I have now 3years full NI contributions credits. I understand that I cannot get a financial award still, because it still the same claim from 2022,and ESA go from years that I have gaps.

I have read some information on the 26 working condition, which is conflicting. Some say you needed to work this time frame, plus have enough NI contributions, some say as long as you have full years it is not taken into account in the claim.

My question is ,can I start/ or should I start a new claim for financial help, with 3 full yrs NI, because I will not receive any help with current claim as they work it out from previous years with gaps.

Or should I ring ESA to ask to look again at current claim. I do find it difficult explaining myself over the phone.

Many thanks.

Kimi87

I understand you are talking about New Style ESA, credits only claim.

Unfortunately the credits you have been receiving are not enough to qualify you for ESA payments either with your current claim or a new one.

A new claim would still require recent NI credits earned through working.

The credits you have gotten from NS ESA for the past few years are not enough.