Check if you can get 'new style' JSA
You might be able to get ‘new style’ seek jobs Allowance (JSA) while you look for a full-time job. You can get it while you’re out of work, or if you’re working less than 16 hours a week.
You can claim new style JSA on its own or with Universal Credit – check if you can get Universal Credit.
There are 2 old types of JSA, which some people are still getting – they’re called ‘income-based’ or ‘contribution-based’.
You can only apply for income-based JSA if you’re already getting contribution-based JSA – check if you can get income-based JSA.
You can’t make a new claim for contribution-based JSA.
Check if you can get new style JSA
You can claim new style JSA if:
you’ve worked and paid Class 1 National Insurance in the last 2 to 3 years
you’re 18 or over and under State Pension age
You should also be:
working less than 16 hours a week
available to work full time
actively looking for full-time work
not in full-time education
not claiming Income Support
You can’t get new style JSA if you:
are under 18, but there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17
are self employed
have an illness or disability which means you can’t work – you should check if you can get ESA instead
You can contact your nearest Citizens Advice to find out what help you can get.
If you’re applying for new style JSA it doesn’t matter what country you’re from.
If you can’t get new style JSA
Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit – if you are, you can apply for that instead.
How much JSA you’ll get
If you’re eligible for new style JSA, you can get a ‘personal allowance’ each week of up to:
£59.20 if you’re 18 to 24
£74.70 if you’re 25 or over
The exact amount you get will depend on your circumstances – for example, your payment might be less if you work part-time or get a pension.
If you’re 18 or over, you can use the Turn2us benefits calculator to work out how much you can get, or contact your nearest Citizens Advice.
Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you’re struggling to find work, you may be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). But what is JSA? How much could you get? How do you claim, and what if you’re working part-time or studying?
girl looking annoyedJobseeker’s Allowance can cause headaches
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What is JSA?
Jobseeker’s Allowance is a fortnightly allowance to live off while you’re searching for a job (or trying to get more hours in your current job). To get JSA you need to be:
18 or over
Capable of work
Available for work
Actively seeking work
Working less than 16 hours a week
If you have a partner then they must work less than 24 hours a week.
Where can I go for help with JSA?
Getting benefits is often a frustrating process. Unfortunately we are unable to offer benefits advice at The Mix, but we can give emotional support and guide you to the best places for expert advice if you give us a call on 0808 808 4994
Here are our main recommendations:
Citizen’s Advice: Your local Citizen’s Advice bureau is the best place to get face-to-face advice and support. You must remember to bring along details of your benefits and general financial situation
Find out more from our article on Using Jobcentre Plus about exactly how to use the Jobcentre.
If you’re angry or frustrated about your treatment by your Jobcentre, you can complain. Find out about the complaints process
This benefits calculator from Turn2us shows you how much benefit you should be getting – many people don’t realise how much they’re entitled to
If you want to challenge a decision about your benefit, you can appeal
What are the different types of JSA?
1. Contribution-based JSA
If you’ve been working and paying Class 1 National Insurance Contributions for most of the past two full tax years, you may be able to claim contribution-based JSA. You can only claim for six months, but if you’re still looking for work you may be able to claim income-based JSA after that (see below).
You can’t get contribution-based JSA if you’ve only been self-employed (you might be able to get income-based JSA instead)
Your savings, or a partner’s earnings don’t affect the money you’ll get
You can only claim contribution-based JSA for yourself (not a partner)
2. Income-based JSA.
The majority of JSA claims are for income-based JSA.
If you (and your partner if you live together) have over £6000 in savings, your JSA will be reduced. If you have £16,000 or more, you won’t get anything
You can claim income-based JSA as a couple, but your partner must be working less than 24 hours a week
You can claim income-based JSA at the same time as contribution-based JSA if you’re claiming for a partner, you’re disabled, or you’re caring for someone disabled
How much money will I get?
For 16-24 year olds, the basic rate is £57.90 a week. For 25 and over, it’s £73.10.
Either type of JSA can be reduced if you have part-time earnings (or a pension).
How do I claim JSA?
The Jobcentre prefers you to claim online. You can also phone 0800 055 6688 (open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday), but you’ll need to explain why you can’t make the claim online.
In Northern Ireland you’re encouraged to fill in a claim form – find your local office from the NI Direct website.