Hi all, Some help/advise please? In may I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and kept my employer informed all the way - was assured that "everything would be done to support me" - long story short, I'm now out of work. I claimed ESA as I'm not fit for work right now but was turned down because of I didn't have enough NIC's. So I literally have no money (not eligible for income based as my other half works and "we'll have too much money" - HA! That's a laugh). Is there anything I can do for myself to get some money from the Government? Is there any exceptions that people know of? HELP!

Apologies for asking such a stupid question but navigating the GOV websites and paperwork has confused me and I am normally good at this sort of thing. I don't know why but today I started worrying about my NICs for state pension even though I am only 40 years old. I am worrying about the qualifying years and having enough credit to claim a full state pension. OK, to be brief: I worked from 18-38 and paid full NI and tax in my job in London so have around 19-20 qualifying years. In Feb 2013 I claimed JSA after being made redundant and was on that for 18 months including my 6 months contribution based, this also included my time at INGEUS up to August 2014 From August 2014 I have been on assessment phase ESA (is that 1 year contributions based even after claiming JSA?) and currently awaiting my assessment (which I will fail as in not get enough points so will no doubt be back on JSA and INGEUS soon after) Although not relevant (I don't think I also get housing benefit) Now, whilst on my JSA and ESA (both C and IB) have I been accumalting credits towards my state pension or would they have stopped atany point so god forbid I struggle for many more years to get a job will I find myself at state pension age with a vastly reduced pension as I think it is 35 qualifying years? As stated, I have built up around 19-20 years to date. Probably panicking well ahead of time but it would be good to know where I stand and also if there is anyone I can contact directly to get a statement. Many thanks in advance