If you're unemployed and available for work you may qualify for Jobseeker's Allowance and other benefits, depending on your circumstances. You may also get help and support with your search for a job through the Steps to Work/New Deal scheme.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for unemployed people who are looking for work. You can claim JSA if all of these apply to you:
You must also be:
There are two types of JSA: contribution-based and income-based. Which one you get depends on whether you've paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs) in the past.
You build up your entitlement to contribution-based JSA by paying NICs when you're employed. If you didn't earn enough to pay NICs, you may still get contribution-based JSA if you were given NIC credits.
This would have happened if you were earning more than the lower earnings limit £95 a week in 2009-20010 and £97 a week for 2010-2011), if you were unemployed or unable to work because of illness and in some other circumstances.
If you're on a low income, you may still get JSA even if you haven't paid any NICs. How much you get is affected by things like your partner's income, any savings you have and if you're looking after children.
If you're unemployed and 16 or 17 years old, you can't usually get JSA unless:
If any of these applies, you may be able to get income-based JSA.
You can find out more about JSA on the DSD website. If you want to speak to someone, contact your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office.
When you claim Jobseeker's Allowance, you'll need to attend an interview at the Jobs and Benefits / Social Security office. This is called a 'new jobseeker interview'.
An adviser will talk to you about the extra help that may be available to you, such as:
This support depends on your circumstances, and what's available in your area.
To keep getting benefit you'll have to attend regular jobsearch reviews, usually every fortnight. There's a longer review if you've been getting benefit for 13 weeks.
Your reviews cover:
New Deal is a government scheme that helps you get back to work if you're on benefit. You'll get help and support with all aspects of job hunting - from working out your long term goals to job training and brushing up your interview technique. You can read more about the following New Deal programmes:
You may be able to claim other benefits while you look for work if you're:
You can get advice about benefits from your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office.
Money, tax and benefits
