ESA

Jennie wrote: Hi can anyone help me with this I have been awarded credit only ESA DWP say I have not paid enough NI. I have worked for 32 years and don't understand it. Oh and deep joy I have my PIP assessment tomorrow.

You can check with HMRC whether you have paid sufficient NI Contributions for an ESA claim.

www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record

Although you have worked for 32 years you nee to have NICs in the required years for a claim. I'm assuming your claim was made in 2015, so they will be using the Tax Years 2012-13 and 2013-14.

Also, even though you have been working, it does not mean that you paid for NICs, you need to have earned a certain amount each week, called the Lower Earning Level, to receive NICs. This needs to be from a single job, earning more than the LEL across two or more jobs, but not more than the LEL in any single job will not result in your receiving NICs.

Have you checked whether you can receive Income Related ESA? ESA(IR) is dependant on your household income, your savings and assets, and any hours that your partner works. See

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

Gordon