Catherine Nicholls

Self employed; currently unable to work due to spinal surgery; thought would be eligible for New Style Employment and Support allowance as no NI gaps in previous two years BUT : 21/22 NI credited due to child allowance as profits only 5823 22/23 NI "automatically paid" as taxable profits fell between 6725 and 11908. Not sure why, but told not eligible for allowance. Is it because I didn't pay voluntary contributions? Can these be paid retrospectively so I can get the allowance?