I worked in the NHS for over ten years and was a diligent NI contributor. Due to stress and the impact on my health, I made the difficult decision to resign and pursue a career change. I completed a one year masters at university were I was unemployed for one year.
I started a new job in September 2023- I am due in January 2024, so I will have only been with this employer for 16 weeks.
When I have put all my circumstances into the calculators, I am not entitled to anything because I have not worked for the full 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before the due date (I will have 16 only).
I am currently filling out the form and putting in as much information as I can, even adding that I have a disability and that’s why I changed jobs etc. But it seems so unfair to me that I have worked for ten years, I take one year off (to study!) and now I may not be entitled to a penny?
I am assuming they are very strict on the 26 week employment cut off, but I just wondered if there is any hope out there of me receiving any money at all?
Had anyone had a similar experience?