Benefits - Jobseekers Allowance
What is it?
Jobseekers Allowance is paid to unemployed people or people who
work under 16 hours and their earnings are low. There are two
types of Jobseekers Allowance; Contribution-based Job Seekers
Allowance and Income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
Contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance can be paid up to 182
days and is based on how much National Insurance you have paid in
the last two years. After the 182 days, a new claim for
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance will need to be made.
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance is based on your income and
savings. You may get this, if you have not paid enough
National Insurance Contributions and you are on a low income.
Who is eligible?
To get Jobseekers Allowance you must be:
- Available for and actively seeking work
- Between 18 and state pension age
- Working less than 16 hours per week on average
- Jobseekers Allowance is not normally paid to 16 or 17 years
old, but there are special cases. For example, estrangement
from your family leading to severe financial hardship. If you
think that you might have exceptional circumstances, contact you
nearest Jobcentreplus Office
How much will I get?
The maximum weekly rates are:
- Contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Aged 16-24 £50.95
- Aged 25+ £64.30
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Single person, under 25 £50.95
- Single person 25+ £64.30
- Couples and civil partnerships (both aged 18+) £100.95
- Lone parent (Aged under 18) £50.95
- Lone parent (Aged 18+) £64.30
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, can be reduced after
household
income, pension and savings is considered
How do I apply
Make a claim on phone or to obtain a claim pack ring the
Jobcentreplus on 0800 055 66 88