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. JSA takes two forms:

• Contribution-based JSA is payable for a maximum period of approximately 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.