Contribution-based JSA
[ch 2: page 32]To qualify for contribution-based JSA, you must also have paid enough NICs in the last two years. Contributions by the self-employed do not generally count. You must have:
• paid Class 1 NICs on earnings equal to at least 25 times the lower earnings limit (LEL – see page 9) in at least one of the relevant contribution years (see below); and
• paid, or been credited with, Class 1 NICs on earnings equal to at least 50 times the LEL in each of the relevant contribution years.
The relevant contribution years are the two complete tax years (6 April to 5 April) immediately before the start of the calendar year in which your job-seeking period begins. For example, if you are claiming JSA for the first time during 2015, your relevant contribution years would be 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Your P60 – the form you receive at the end of each tax year setting out the amount of tax and National Insurance you have paid – should help you work out whether you satisfy the contribution conditions.