I applied for UC in May and was awarded LCWRA in August. Prior to this I had disabled element of WTC plus P/T earnings. My SSP has finished and my employment was terminated. I found it overwhelming completing the UC50 form etc and wondered if I now apply for NS ESA to maintain NI contributions for my pension whether I will have to go through whole process of filling in more WCA forms or because my LCWRA award was so recent that this would be enough to avoid more forms and assessments?
The first thing to say is that you do not need to apply for NS ESA to maintain your State Pension, UC pays Class 3 NI Credits which count towards the pension.
NS ESA does pay Class 1 NI Credits which may allow you to make another claim for NS ESA if the first is time-limited, it is not if you have LCWRA, but there is no other advantage.
If you do apply for NS ESA then your current UC LCWRA award should be applied to the new claim automatically, so no assessment.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
