ESA and National Insurance

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Sandra_67

Hi. I'm new here so Hello All. I just wondered if anyone can advise on my query. I am thinking of claiming ESA. I have been working for a limited company and I have not earned enough to pay N.I over the past few years as my Accountant has just informed me. I did pay a few voluntary payments during these years and I have 40 years contributions for full pension.

I've just found out I should never have paid the voluntary contributions as Class 2 as I am not Class 2 - their mistake, they must've registered me wrong initially. Anyhow, it's been escalated and could take months to sort out. I can't get through on the phone and I need to claim asap as not working, too ill. I am still entitled to ESA?

Many thanks

Albus_Alumni

Heya @Sandra_67 and a warm welcome to the community. 😁

You'll be able to claim new style ESA as long as the NI contributions have been paid. The other option would be Universal Credit. If you're wanting to talk to the DWP, I find it's always best to call them as soon as the lines open in the mornings, even then you may be on hold for quite a while.