Jobseeker's Allowance
Benefits for jobseekers
Trying to find a job can be tough - financially and emotionally, particularly if you have been unemployed for some time. Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) can help you pay your way while you search for work.
You will need to show that you are looking for work. The amount you get depends on things like your income, age, health, disability and savings.
Who can claim
You can claim Jobseeker's Allowance if you are available for and actively seeking work and:
- you are under pension age. State pension age for women is gradually increasing gradually increasing from 60 to 65. This process began in April 2010. The upper age limit for claiming JSA is gradually increasing
- you do not work or work for less than 16 hours a week, and
- your partner (if you have one) doesn’t work or works for less than 24 hours a week, and
- your income is low enough, and
- you do not have more than £16,000 savings.
Parents – Jobseeker's Allowance claimants must claim Child Tax Credit (CTC) for children. JSA only includes money for adults.
If you already get JSA and still get extra money for your children as part of this payment, you do not have to claim Child Tax Credit.
How to claim
Contact Jobcentre Plus to claim Jobseeker's Allowance.
Jobcentre Plus also provides a wide range of services to help people move into work.
There are special schemes for people getting certain benefits, including job searches, training and support.
Young people
Most 16 or 17-year-olds can only get JSA in limited circumstances – for example if they are estranged from your parents. Contact the Welfare Rights Service for advice about this. To claim, you must register for work and training with the Careers Service or The Point. The Point can also provide advice and information via phone and email.
If a young person has special support needs, they may be able to claim additional benefits.
Extra help
You could get a Job Grant if you stop getting Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance because you start working for 16 or more hours a week (or your partner starts working for 24 hours or more a week).
While you are on income-based JSA, you automatically get help with health costs, such as free prescriptions, dental treatment and sight tests.
More information
Contact the Welfare Rights Service for further advice.