thanks for these responses, i am fairly sure this is either due to human or computer error. Was earning around 20K for each of those years so that should cover contributions shouldn't it? If i call benefit centre they just fob me off with excuses that "their hands are tied" and "its the system" though. maybe i'll try them again and see if i get someone with a bit of common sense next time.

Hi, i have just been denied contribution based JSA however they decided to use 2003 & 2004 to base thier calculation on? since 2005 i have been working full time making full contributions. when i asked why they used these years they would only say "our system links back to your previous claim" refering to a claim i made for six months in the begining of 2004. is this really how the system works? or should i be assesed on my last two years contributions?