ESA-NHS Contributions-Qualifying 4 Support Group

Hello Gordon, Sorry to be a pain! Put me right this very last time please.

I don't understand how this can be fair. Say someone worked for 8 yrs at age 18. Then takes time off to look after children say for the next 28yrs.. working on and off. This gains them enough NI credits+ Working Years '35 years' to receive a full state pension. Now aged 56 develops a neurological disease! children are now grown up, but this person cannot work again. Is this fair that they cannot be put into the Support group' Just because they didn't contribute during the last few years. Not sure if I've explained myself very well. After all state pension is now 66 which means another 10 years away without any employment.

Is that really Just an unfortunate way the benifit system works for some people!

Thanking you in advance. Ashley

Hi Ashley,

Yes, I'm afraid that is how the system works. If someone does not qualify for contributory benefit and has a very low income (claimant plus any partner who lives with them)/assets they can qualify for income-related benefit, which is considered a safety-net.

Perhaps if everyone who fell foul of this complained to their MP things might be changed.