Claimants can be exempted from the normal NI contribution requirements if they-
- are aged 16 and over and
- are aged under 20 (or 25 if they have been in full-time education)and
- have been incapable for work for a continuous period of 28 weeks and
- satisfy the residence and presence tests
- are not subject to immigration control
Young people under the age of 25 qualify if they can show that
- they were on a course of education or training for at least three months before their
20th birthday and
- the course was one of full time education at any level from secondary school to postgraduate vocational or work based training and
- attendance ceased within the last two complete tax years before the benefit year in which the claim is made.
