ESA credits and SSP

[BrokenBrolly]

Good Morning

I am in receipt of a private pension. I recently came off ESA (within the past 12 weeks) but I was on NI credits only, no actual payments.

i got back into part time work but my disability has flared up. Am I eligible for SSP?

Information online suggests im not eligible for SSP if have come off ESA in the last 12 weeks and I should restart that claim, (I was LCWRA) however, as explained, I was on credits only.

Thanls

Do you still need the credits?

Yes @Bromptotoo however the SSP would be helpful and I could use some of that money to voluntarily pay the credits.

You cannot get SSP if you were paid ESA in the last 12 weeks. Whether 'paid' includes getting NI credits - I assume you cannot be paid ESA as it's tapered off because of your occupational pension - is a question I cannot immediately find an answer to.

Probably best to speak to DWP.