Jobseeker's Allowance

If you are below State Pension Age, capable of working, available to work and actively seeking employment, but currently unemployed or working less than sixteen hours a week, you might be entitled to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance. You are not usually entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance if you are a student, or if you are under eighteen years old. However, there are some circumstances, for example when you are caring for children, when you may be eligible. If you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance, you will receive one of two kinds: either National Insurance contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The amount of Jobseeker’s Allowance you receive will depend on your age, your circumstances, your savings, you and your partner’s income, and for which version of this benefit you qualify:

Contribution-based

• Aged 18 – 24 £46.85 a week
• Aged 25+ £59.15 a week

Income-based

• Single aged 18 – 24 £46.85 a week
• Single aged 25+ £59.15 a week
• Single parent £59.15 a week
• Couple, both aged 18+ £92.80 a week

If you think that you might be entitled to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance you should contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688 for advice and a claim form. You may be required to attend an interview to confirm your circumstances and discuss your job search. If you are successful, your Jobseeker’s Allowance will be paid fortnightly into an account you nominate, via direct debit. You will have to visit your local Jobcentre Plus every fortnight to confirm that you are still seeking employment, and attend regular interviews where your circumstances will be reviewed and you will be given advice on your ongoing job search. You must keep the benefits service informed of any changes to your circumstances to enable them to ensure that you are always receiving the support to which you are entitled.