Can I get ESA if I haven't worked in the last 3 years but have NI credits from child benefit/carers?

MarianaTrench

I haven't worked in the last few years as I have terrible mental health at the moment and am on a variety of anti-depressants and diazepam for crippling anxiety. I am not claiming any disability benefits at the moment as I haven't had the strength to do the application.

I do get NI credits as I have children and claim child benefit and have recently been awarded carer's allowance as I have a disabled child who gets DLA.

Does anyone know if I am likely to be awarded ESA if I haven't worked but have NI credits or should I not bother?

MarianaTrench

I haven't worked in the last few years as I have terrible mental health at the moment and am on a variety of anti-depressants and diazepam for crippling anxiety. I am not claiming any disability benefits at the moment as I haven't had the strength to do the application.

I do get NI credits as I have children and claim child benefit and have recently been awarded carer's allowance as I have a disabled child who gets DLA.

Does anyone know if I am likely to be awarded ESA if I haven't worked but have NI credits or should I not bother?

calcotti

Woodbine is correct. Child Benefit only gives you Class 3 NI credits which do not help with ESA entitlement.

Your Carer's Allowance will give you Class 1 credits but if this has only recently been awarded you will not have built up enough credits to qualify for ESA. 

poppy123456

Just to add further, as it would need to be New style ESA that you claim, even if you did have the correct amount of NI contributions New style ESA is an overlapping benefit with CA so you can't be paid them both. You would receive the higher benefit, which is ESA (if you're over 25) it pays £77/week. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/overlapping-benefits

calcotti

Poppy, thanks for picking the overlapping benefits point up.

OP, just to check, are you excluded from UC due to family finances or have you not checked?

MarianaTrench

calcotti said:

Poppy, thanks for picking the overlapping benefits point up.

OP, just to check, are you excluded from UC due to family finances or have you not checked?

I'm not entitled to any UC as have too much in savings. 

poppy123456

Once your savings drop below £16,000 you should use a benefits calculator and check entitlement to UC. There’s a £4.35/month deduction for every £250 or part there of over £6,000 but there may still be some entitlement.