I have looked in CPAG and at legislation but still want to check it out.

Client was a student nurse up until Sept. 2006. Started work as a registered nurse end of Sept. She misses out on 26/66 qualifying weeks by one week.

As a student nurse she received a bursary, but as part of her training she was required to work a minimum of 37 hours a week when on placements. Is there any scope for using this requirement to put towards the qualifying period? She would fall within the test period if she could count it as an employed earner.SSCBA 1992 s35(1)(b).
Thanks

Hi Alison, I have had this query quite a few times. A bursary does not count as earnings. It's grim, I know. How long has your client been a student - is it possible that she has NI contributions falling in the relevant tax years and could claim IB for a short period before and after the birth?

Rachel