Jobseeker’s Allowance



Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is the main benefit available to those who are unemployed or working only part-time and seeking work. It is gradually being replaced, alongside other benefits, by Universal Credit (UC) (see Chapter 1). JSA takes two forms — contribution-based and income-based. In addition, there is a new style JSA those who are entitled to apply for UC. 


Contribution-based JSA is payable for a maximum period of around six months to those who satisfy the National Insurance Contributions (NICs) criteria and other qualifying conditions (see below). The amount paid could be affected by any part-time earnings or occupational pension you might be getting, although income or savings do not usually affect how much you get. 


Income-based JSA is payable to those who do not qualify for contribution-based JSA, or whose eligibility has expired, or who cannot manage on their contribution-based JSA alone. The amount paid is dependent on the claimant’s income and savings.


New style JSA works in the same way as contribution-based JSA and can be applied for by people who are entitled to apply for UC, that is, a single person anywhere in England, Wales and Scotland or a couple or family living in a UC area (see Chapter 1). A partner’s income or savings won’t affect how much new style JSA is paid and you can get it at the same time as UC. If you get both at the same time, the new style JSA payment is deducted from the UC payment so you are not guaranteed to get any extra money. You must apply for it by phone rather than online.