Who can get new-style JSA?

To qualify for JSA, you must satisfy all of the conditions below. You must:

• be unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week on average;

• be available for work and actively seeking employment;

• not have an illness or disability which stops you from working;

• be aged over 18, but under the State Pension Age (see Chapter 6);

• not be in full-time education; and

• live in England, Scotland or Wales — there are different rules for Northern Ireland.

After you have applied, Jobcentre Plus will contact you to arrange an interview. You will need to bring identity documents and your P45 if you have one, and you will also be asked to sign an agreement to look for work – a Claimant Commitment (see page 31).