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 six months to those who satisfy the National Insurance contributions criteria and other qualifying conditions (see below) — the amount paid could be affected by any earnings or occupational pension you might be getting;

• 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.