(1) The contribution conditions for carer's benefit are that the carer has qualifying contributions in respect of not less than 156 contribution weeks in the period between his or her entry into insurance and the first day for which the benefit is claimed, and qualifying contributions in respect of not less than -
(a) 39 contribution weeks in the second last complete contribution year before the beginning of the benefit year which includes the first day for which the benefit is claimed, or
(b) 39 contribution weeks in the 12 months immediately before the first day for which the benefit is claimed, or
(c) 26 weeks in each of the second last and third last complete contribution years before the beginning of the benefit year which includes the first day for which the benefit is claimed.
(2) Regulations may provide for modification of the contribution conditions set out in subsection (1).