Benefits based on your national insurance contributions
Last updated: 07/07/2020
If you are not working you can get new style jobseeker’s allowance or new style employment and support allowance, rather than the standard allowance of universal credit, if you have made the necessary national insurance contributions when you were working.
They are paid at the same rate as the standard allowance of universal credit but are generally not based on your income or affected by it.
Contribution based jobseeker’s allowance and contribution-based employment and support allowance will remain but only for people also getting the severe disability premium.
If you are not getting the severe disability premium you will now have to claim new style jobseeker’s allowance and new style employment and support allowance.
To claim new style jobseeker’s allowance call Jobcentre Plus or apply online.
Call Jobcentre Plus: 0800 055 66 88
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
Claim online: http://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance
To claim new style employment and support allowance call the universal credit helpline where you will be asked a few questions and sent or emailed a form to complete and post or email back. You also need to give Jobcentre Plus a medical certificate from your doctor.
Universal credit helpline (Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm):
Telephone: 0800 328 5644 (choose option 2)
Textphone: 0800 328 1344 (choose option 2)
For more details on new style jobseeker’s allowance and new style employment and support allowance see the disability, sickness and care benefits and universal credit information.
