Jobseeker’s Allowance

The Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for those usually aged over 18 who are either not working or who are currently working less than 16 hours per week. Applicants must be capable of working and actively looking for work. There are three different types of JSA. However, two of these JSAs, the contribution based JSA  and Income-based JSA are no longer available to new applicants. 

The New Style JSA replaced the contribution-based JSA and works in the same way. To be eligible for the JSA, applicants will have needed to have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years.

Applicants that are eligible must then attend a phone interview with their local Jobcentre Plus office and continue to actively look for work. JSA payments can be stopped if the recipient does not keep to their agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.

The actual amount awarded depends on the applicant's age, income and savings. The maximum rate for the New Style JSA is £59.20 for those aged under 25 and £74.70 for those aged 25 and over.

Applicants that cannot work due to coronavirus can also claim the JSA if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.