Thread: Have you been refused JSA due to time overseas?

I have, and I've put in an appeal with the HMRC, and also taken it up with the NFF, who have said they will take it up with the MOD.

If you've been turned down for Contribution based JSA because you were overseas for a time, and therefore couldn't make NI contributions (the crux of my argument) I would be keen to hear from you. The more of us there are, the more of an argument we may have.

Please PM me.

Thank you

You can claim those NI contributions as of 2009. Therefore if any of your time overseas was after then then you need to download the paperwork and get it signed off.

Thanks Gonzo, I did that (it was April 2010 the credits came in) but they don't help you get JSA because they are NI credits, not NI payments, and some of the contributions have to be payments. So it doesn't actually help anyone who is overseas for the 2 tax years that are assessed. Like me!

You're right it was 2010. I knew it was whilst we were overseas, I just had it in my head 2009. Hmm I am not going to claim JSA, but that really doesn't help. Maybe the NFF will be able to do something.

I've a neighbour who tried to claim JSA but because of last 2 years in Cyprus she has been declined.

Thanks bootiful, I will try to remember that if by some stroke of luck anything good comes of this (I'm thinking a couple of nice handbags....?)

Some more info here Latest News - Employment & Training

and here Latest News

Thanks AFF - very interesting!

Just a note to anyone who is considering making a claim, whether you've been overseas or not, don't bother unless you have the hide of a rhino, the patience of a saint, and a straitjacket to prevent you from 1) punching fricking ignorant Job Centre employees 2) Putting holes in the wall after yet another 10 minutes on hold to the HMRC getting absolutely nowhere.
I was told by a woman in my local job centre yesterday that 'you're no different from anyone else, just because your husband is in the armed forces - what makes you think you should get special treatment?' She said exactly that. I was aghast. Having (not terribly) calmly pointed out to her that the NI credits introduced in 2010, and the easement on NI contributions in 2011, specifically for forces spouses mean that, as far as the government is concerned, I am entitled to special treatment, and in her job she should be aware of these things, sort of shut her up. I'm still horrified by her attitude. Am going in next week to see the manager when I will be making a complaint about this remark, and also 'your husband has a job why are you claiming benefits?' which is pretty ignorant from a benefit claims 'adviser'.

Sorry for the rant but just needed to get this off my chest, and OH is on exercise and fairly stressed so trying to keep the emails happy smiley. Still can't quite believe she said that.

I'm not going to bother claiming when we get back. I don't think I have the patience to deal with it all.

Read this Savvy then go back to the woman in the Job Centre: Job Hunting - the full article in the Quest mag is very good.

The article is from Aug 2010 and I've asked our Employment & Training Specialist to find out more about these Armed Forces Advocates.

Thanks AFF - interesting that the article states "Jobcentre Plus strongly believes that currently serving and ex-service personnel and their families should not face any disadvantage as a result of serving their country, which means improving access to state benefits and employment programmes." Since that is exactly what is happening.
I have finally (my NFF had to ask several times) heard from the 'deputy' armed forces champion for my area. It seems you can't call them, they have to call you, which is alright until you've been waiting 3 weeks. He was quite knowledgeable and helpful but it seems that even this new Easement won't help anyone making a claim until 2013, so it's a fat lot of good to me and others like me (Bootiful's friend, Gonzo). My problem is still that I have nothing in my NI record for the 09/10 tax year as it's pre NI credits, and I don't know what I can do about it. I've been told I can appeal again but I'm not sure I have the energy.

When I was claiming JSA I met with the Armed Forces Advocate, she was lovely and very honest and admitted that it was another job title and didn't actually mean anything!

I do seem to recall that you can make payments toward NI credits if you don't have protected rights because of children or if you were travelling.

Do you need to top up your National Insurance contributions? : Directgov - Money, tax and benefits