Clarification on Conditions for Class 2 NICs when abroad & JSA

NI38 leaflet - section suggests for Paying voluntary National Insurance contributions while you’re abroad that the below conditions should be met: (a) You’ve lived in the UK for a continuous 3-year period at any time before the period for which National Insurance contributions are to be paid, or In addition to meeting condition 1(a) you must also, immediately before going abroad, have been ordinarily an employed or self-employed earner in the UK. I was employed in the UK but, for 5 months before going to work abroad, I was in receipt of JSA in the UK. Does this mean I am not eligible for Class 2 Voluntary NICS? If that is the case could that also affect Class 3 Voluntary NICS? Thanks

Dear HMRC Fully aware you are extremely busy with many requests but if someone could please provide an update to my enquiry?

Hi Papas,

Unfortunately I am unable to give you a definitive answer around whether you would be accepted at the class 2 rate of voluntary abroad National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Our International caseworkers will review your NI record as a whole and if you are normally gainfully employed or registered as self-employed prior to leaving the UK.
I would apply for the class 2 rate and if you are not accepted you will be notified the reason why.  
You will not be automatically process to pay the class 3 NICs rate.

Thank you