ESA ENTITLEMENT

Cats1817

Posting for a friend.

They have recently applied to NS ESA (not entitled to UC). They have worked via PAYE employment for over 40 years so have more than enough NI contributions. However they got made redundant in 23/24 tax year, so thats not a full NI year. NS ESA believed to use 22/23 & 23/24 tax years atm for entitlement. Are they able to top this year up and then be entitled or can NS ESA use previous years instead? Be a shame to not be entitled just because they are missing one year but worked full time for over 40 years!

Thanks.