Income-based JSA


You can claim income-based JSA if you do not qualify for contribution-based JSA because:


• you do not satisfy the NICs criteria (see above); 


• your entitlement to contribution-based JSA has expired because you have been receiving it for the maximum six months; or 


• you cannot manage on the amount of contribution-based JSA to which you are entitled.


How much can you get?


Income-based JSA is means-tested, so the amount you can get is based on an assessment of the needs and income of you and other members of your family. There is a personal allowance, plus additional premium payments if you have dependents and/or special needs such as a disability. Support for children is provided through Child Tax Credit (see Chapter 5). 


Your entitlement is calculated by adding up your personal allowance and any other relevant premium payments (see Chapter 9) and comparing this with your earnings and any other income. Your benefit will be reduced if a non-dependent adult aged under 25 is living as part of your household and receiving contribution-based JSA. 


You cannot get income-based JSA if you have capital/savings over £16,000. Savings below £6,000 are ignored, but savings between £6,000 and £16,000 are treated as providing £1 a week of income for each £250 or part thereof, and benefit is reduced accordingly. 


The JSA personal allowance is taxable, but any premiums payable above this are not taxable.