Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is the main benefit for people of working age who are unemployed.
If you're out of work or working less than 16 hours a week on average, you may be able to get Jobseeker's Allowance.
You must be:
You can't usually get Jobseeker's Allowance if you're:
There are exceptions - particularly if you look after children - so it's worth checking with your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office to see if you're eligible.
You may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (Contribution based) if you have paid enough class 1 National Insurance contributions in the relevant income tax years. Self employed contributionswillnot generally qualify you for contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance.
You may qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income based) if you have not paid enough class 1 National Insurance contributions in the relevant income tax years. This is based on your income and savings and the amount paid will depend on your circumstances.
If you are 16 or 17 years old and unemployed, you may be able to get Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based) for a short time. This could be because you are classed as being in a vulnerable group.
This could be someone who:
People in these groups will be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based) for a short time if they will suffer severe hardship if JSA is not paid.
Contact your local Social Security / Jobs & Benefits office for more information.
Age |
Amount |
|---|---|
| 16 - 24 | £50.95 |
| 25 or over | £64.30 |
Your payments might be reduced if you're getting a pension.
The maximum weekly rates are:
Status |
Amount |
|---|---|
| Single people aged 16 - 24 | £50.95 |
| Single people aged 25 or over | £64.30 |
| Couples and civil partnerships (both aged 18 or over) | £100.95 |
| Couple (one aged under 18) with responsibility for a child | £100.95 |
| Lone parents (aged under 18) | £50.95 |
| Lone parents (aged 18 or over) | £64.30 |
The amount of money you get might be reduced if you have any other income e.g. from part-time employment. You will also get less if you have savings over £6000.00 and if you have £16000.00 or over you will not be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based).
Your payments might also be reduced if you're getting an occupational or personal pension. For contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance the first £50 of your occupational/personal pension is disregarded.
If you or your partner, work part-time it may affect the amount of money you get. If you work an average of 16 hours or more each week or your partner works an average of 24 hours or more a week, you will not be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based).
When you contact the Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office you will be issued with a claim pack which includes the claim form for Jobseeker's Allowance and the job search plan.
An appointment for a new Jobseeker's Interview will be arranged for you with a Client Adviser/Work focused Adviser . You will need to bring a properly completed claim form and supporting documents with you when attending the interview.
At the interview the conditions for receiving Jobseeker's Allowance will be explained and a Jobseeker's Agreement will be drawn up based on your job search plan. A claim for Jobseeker's Allowance may only be accepted when a claim form has been properly completed.
Direct Payment into an account is the Social Security Agency’s normal way of paying pensions and benefits. It is a safe, convenient and efficient method of payment
You must tell your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office straight away about any changes in your circumstances. For example this could be if you:
In many cases you will still be able to claim JSA, but if you don’t report a change in circumstances it could affect your benefit.
You can ask for an explanation of a decision at any time. You can also ask for the decision to be reconsidered. Some decisions carry appeal rights and information on how to appeal will be included with the decision letter. If you wish to appeal follow the link below for further information.
If you are still unemployed after 6 months you will be asked to attend an interview with an adviser. The purpose of this meeting will be to check you are doing all you can to find work and that we are giving you the help you need. You may also be able to take advantage of a place on a training scheme.
If you are a man aged 60 – 64 you may be able to claim Pension Credit. Please contact your local Social Security / Jobs & Benefits office for more information.
You will not get Jobseeker’s Allowance if you:
If your Jobseeker’s Allowance is stopped, you may be able to get a Jobseeker’s Allowance hardship payment. You must be in a vulnerable group, for example you must
If you are not in a vulnerable group you will have to wait two weeks before you can receive a hardship payment.
Your local Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office can give you more information about hardship provision.
Money, tax and benefits
