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Original poster

Can I be counted as an unemployed individual if my husband earns a good salary?

30 replies

Legwork · 18/07/2023 13:08

Posting here for traffic - I haven’t worked for a few years due to caring responsibilities so haven’t got NI contributions since 2020. My husband earns well. I want to be getting NI contributions while I look for work, but I can’t see any way of registering as unemployed without a benefits claim. I even tried to claim JSA knowing I’d be turned down in a bid to get myself into the system but they just said ‘no’ and sent me a P45?!? I’m worried about my state pension but can’t see a way to even be a statistic unemployed person. I’ve been on hold hour after hour to the DWP and when I get through get passed around but no one knows. 🤷‍♀️ Can anyone help?

OP posts:
Orangeradiorabbit · 18/07/2023 15:17

In the past, you used to be able to sign on and make a "credits only claim". You still needed to be looking for and available for work. They wouldn't backdate the credits, but would issue them for the time you're signing on. It looks like this is still possible, down this page it says "sometimes you will get the credits but no money". Try giving the JSA enquiry line a call and asking about a credits only claim and ask why they closed your claim. Call at 8am to get through the lines quickly.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/jobseekers-allowance

Orangeradiorabbit · 18/07/2023 15:22

For England, Scotland, Wales

"You’re unemployed and looking for work, but not on Jobseeker’s Allowance Contact your local Jobcentre to claim Class 1 credits"

https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility

Fifthtimelucky · 18/07/2023 15:40

SlightlygrumpyBettyswaitress · 18/07/2023 13:38

If you can't be credited then have a think about paying in. You need 35 years by the time you get to retirement age. Check how many you have. If you intend to return to work then think twice about paying now.

This is misleading. It depends on age and circumstances.

I have 38 years of contributions but will not get a full pension unless I pay more voluntary contributions.

You can check your NI record online. If you are thinking of paying voluntary contributions it's worth speaking to DWP. It'll take forever to get through but once you do you will probably find a very helpful person at the other end.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
ReleasetheCrackHen · 18/07/2023 15:47

GillianMcQueef · 18/07/2023 15:13

I haven't worked since 1996 when DD was born. I was a SAHM but then diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2009 which has left me unable to work. I tried to claim PIP about ten years ago but was denied because I could walk from the bus stop to the office and said some days I could go shopping albeit with difficulty (my disease fluctuates, but I'm in pain every minute of every day). So no benefits.

I can't afford to pay anything in. I'm screwed, aren't I? I won't be getting any pension at all.

DH has always worked so he'll get a state pension but we can't afford to pay into his workplace pension either. We're both screwed!

The only way is to claim ESA and then not accept the money if your household income is over the threshold. Then you’d get NI credits. PIP doesn’t provide any NI credits. You need 10yrs of NI to get any state pension. If you get a bit of state pension, you can then claim pension credit to top you up to a minimum weekly amount that is a bit less than full state pension.

CantFindTheBeat · 18/07/2023 15:52

GillianMcQueef · 18/07/2023 15:13

I haven't worked since 1996 when DD was born. I was a SAHM but then diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2009 which has left me unable to work. I tried to claim PIP about ten years ago but was denied because I could walk from the bus stop to the office and said some days I could go shopping albeit with difficulty (my disease fluctuates, but I'm in pain every minute of every day). So no benefits.

I can't afford to pay anything in. I'm screwed, aren't I? I won't be getting any pension at all.

DH has always worked so he'll get a state pension but we can't afford to pay into his workplace pension either. We're both screwed!

Have you reapplied for PIP, @GillianMcQueef ?

A lot has changed since 2009, you can get advice on the best approach to submit your application.

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