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class="govuk-grid-row"> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds"> <div class="gem-c-title govuk-!-margin-top-8 govuk-!-margin-bottom-8"> <h1 class="gem-c-title__text govuk-heading-xl"> Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) </h1> </div> <a class="gem-c-skip-link govuk-skip-link govuk-!-display-none-print" data-module="govuk-skip-link" href="#guide-contents">Skip to contents of guide</a> <aside class="part-navigation-container" role="complementary"> <nav class="gem-c-contents-list" aria-label="Pages in this guide" role="navigation" data-module="gem-track-click"> <h2 class="gem-c-contents-list__title"> Contents </h2> <ol class="gem-c-contents-list__list"> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed gem-c-contents-list__list-item--active" aria-current="true"> How it works </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 2" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Eligibility"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility">Eligibility</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 3" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa">Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 4" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-interview" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Your JSA interview"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-interview">Your JSA interview</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 5" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Your JSA claim"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim">Your JSA claim</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 6" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"If you’re getting income-based JSA"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa">If you’re getting income-based JSA</a> </li> <li class="gem-c-contents-list__list-item gem-c-contents-list__list-item--dashed"> <a class="gem-c-contents-list__link govuk-link" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="content_item 7" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances" data-track-options="{"dimension29":"Report a change of circumstances"}" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances">Report a change of circumstances</a> </li> </ol> </nav> </aside> </div> <div class="govuk-grid-column-two-thirds" id="guide-contents"> <h1 class="part-title"> How it works </h1> <div class="gem-c-govspeak govuk-govspeak direction-ltr disable-youtube" data-module="govspeak"> <p>You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr>) to help you when you’re looking for work.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>This guide is also available <a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/lwfans-ceisio-gwaith">in Welsh (Cymraeg)</a>.</p> </div> <p>You cannot apply for income-based <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> any more. <a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa">If you’re currently getting income-based <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr></a>, you’ll keep getting payments while you’re eligible until your claim ends.</p> <h2 id="what-you-need-to-do">What you need to do</h2> <ol class="steps"> <li> <p><a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility">Check you’re eligible</a>.</p> </li> <li> <p><a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa">Make a claim for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)</a> and go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office.</p> </li> <li> <p>Keep to your agreement to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’ and you will create it at your interview.</p> </li> </ol> <p><a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim">Your <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> payments will be reduced or stopped</a> if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>Check if you’re <a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/eligibility">eligible for Universal Credit</a>. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.</p> </div> <h2 id="what-youll-get">What you’ll get</h2> <p>There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.</p> <p>Use a <a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators">benefits calculator</a> to check how much <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected.</p> <table> <thead> <tr> <th scope="col">Age</th> <th scope="col"> <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> weekly amount</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Up to 24</td> <td>up to £61.05</td> </tr> <tr> <td>25 or over</td> <td>up to £77.00</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="how-youre-paid">How you’re paid</h2> <p>All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your <a href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid">bank, building society or credit union account</a>.</p> <h3 id="your-first-payment">Your first payment</h3> <p>You may have to wait up to 7 days after applying for your <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> to start, and up to 2 weeks after that to get your first payment.</p> <p>Your first payment may not be for the full amount.</p> <h3 id="after-your-first-payment">After your first payment</h3> <p>Payments will usually be made every 2 weeks and they will be the full amount.</p> <h2 id="if-youre-moving-to-universal-credit-from-income-based-jsa">If you’re moving to Universal Credit from income-based <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> </h2> <p>If your income-based <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> claim is ending because you’re making a new claim for Universal Credit, you’ll automatically continue to get the amount of <abbr title="Jobseeker's Allowance">JSA</abbr> you currently receive, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll normally get this for 2 weeks, starting from the date of your new claim.</p> <p>The Department for Work and Pensions (<abbr title="Department for Work and Pensions">DWP</abbr>) will write to you telling you how this works.</p> <div role="note" aria-label="Information" class="application-notice info-notice"> <p>You do not need to pay this money back, and it will not affect the amount of Universal Credit you get.</p> </div> </div> <nav class="govuk-pagination govuk-pagination--block" role="navigation" aria-label="Pagination"> <div class="govuk-pagination__next"> <a class="govuk-link govuk-pagination__link" href="/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility" rel="next" data-track-category="contentsClicked" data-track-action="next" data-track-label="/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility" data-track-dimension="next" data-track-dimension-index="29"> <svg class="govuk-pagination__icon govuk-pagination__icon--next" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="13" 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"Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)", "datePublished": "2012-01-26T13:56:28.000+00:00", "dateModified": "2014-12-17T15:08:44.000+00:00", "text": "Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit you can claim while looking for work - how to apply online, New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), eligibility, rates, rapid reclaim, JSA interview, when payment can be stopped", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-73b5a4056ffe9988d02c728b56fe9fe7f90bb822322a5f6183ccbb92a99b019a.png" } }, "image": [ "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-1x1-bf9e64d759af6dfd93bede8168f3087a329f405b382aff36747db0db4b7b23e9.png", "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-4x3-13093f053c15f613acd827aff27cac83d3fab452947cbcae4c7b706dadf2f7f2.png", "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-schema-placeholder-16x9-4233cd42671827e266e284c4d5ae68fb600bd9f9e35dda663ccabbc2b6ab7ec3.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Government Digital Service", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/government-digital-service" }, "about": [ { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/welfare/entitlement" }, { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/employment/finding-job" }, { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/http://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "sameAs": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/welfare/jobseekers-allowance" } ], "headLine": "Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)", "description": "Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit you can claim while looking for work - how to apply online, New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), eligibility, rates, rapid reclaim, JSA interview, when payment can be stopped", "articleBody": "\u003cp\u003eYou can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (\u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e) to help you when you’re looking for work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guide is also available \u003ca href=\"/lwfans-ceisio-gwaith\"\u003ein Welsh (Cymraeg)\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou cannot apply for income-based \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e any more. \u003ca href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa\"\u003eIf you’re currently getting income-based \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e\u003c/a\u003e, you’ll keep getting payments while you’re eligible until your claim ends.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-you-need-to-do\"\u003eWhat you need to do\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col class=\"steps\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility\"\u003eCheck you’re eligible\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa\"\u003eMake a claim for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)\u003c/a\u003e and go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep to your agreement to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’ and you will create it at your interview.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim\"\u003eYour \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e payments will be reduced or stopped\u003c/a\u003e if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck if you’re \u003ca href=\"/universal-credit/eligibility\"\u003eeligible for Universal Credit\u003c/a\u003e. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-youll-get\"\u003eWhat you’ll get\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse a \u003ca href=\"/benefits-calculators\"\u003ebenefits calculator\u003c/a\u003e to check how much \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eAge\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e weekly amount\u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eUp to 24\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eup to £61.05\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003e25 or over\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd\u003eup to £77.00\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-youre-paid\"\u003eHow you’re paid\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your \u003ca href=\"/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid\"\u003ebank, building society or credit union account\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"your-first-payment\"\u003eYour first payment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou may have to wait up to 7 days after applying for your \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e to start, and up to 2 weeks after that to get your first payment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYour first payment may not be for the full amount.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"after-your-first-payment\"\u003eAfter your first payment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePayments will usually be made every 2 weeks and they will be the full amount.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"if-youre-moving-to-universal-credit-from-income-based-jsa\"\u003eIf you’re moving to Universal Credit from income-based \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e\n\u003c/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf your income-based \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e claim is ending because you’re making a new claim for Universal Credit, you’ll automatically continue to get the amount of \u003cabbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\"\u003eJSA\u003c/abbr\u003e you currently receive, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll normally get this for 2 weeks, starting from the date of your new claim.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Department for Work and Pensions (\u003cabbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\"\u003eDWP\u003c/abbr\u003e) will write to you telling you how this works.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou do not need to pay this money back, and it will not affect the amount of Universal Credit you get.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\n" } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "name": "Home", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "name": "Benefits", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "name": "Benefits and financial support if you're looking for work", "@id": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/looking-for-work" } } ] } </script><script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/http://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "headline": "Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)", "description": "Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit you can claim while looking for work - how to apply online, New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), eligibility, rates, rapid reclaim, JSA interview, when payment can be stopped", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "GOV.UK", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/assets/government-frontend/govuk_publishing_components/govuk-logo-73b5a4056ffe9988d02c728b56fe9fe7f90bb822322a5f6183ccbb92a99b019a.png" } }, "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How it works", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance", "text": "<p>You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>) to help you when you’re looking for work.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>This guide is also available <a href=\"/lwfans-ceisio-gwaith\">in Welsh (Cymraeg)</a>.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>You cannot apply for income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> any more. <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa\">If you’re currently getting income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr></a>, you’ll keep getting payments while you’re eligible until your claim ends.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-you-need-to-do\">What you need to do</h2>\n\n<ol class=\"steps\">\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility\">Check you’re eligible</a>.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa\">Make a claim for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)</a> and go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p>Keep to your agreement to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’ and you will create it at your interview.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<p><a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim\">Your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> payments will be reduced or stopped</a> if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>Check if you’re <a href=\"/universal-credit/eligibility\">eligible for Universal Credit</a>. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-youll-get\">What you’ll get</h2>\n\n<p>There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.</p>\n\n<p>Use a <a href=\"/benefits-calculators\">benefits calculator</a> to check how much <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected.</p>\n\n<table>\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th scope=\"col\">Age</th>\n <th scope=\"col\">\n<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> weekly amount</th>\n </tr>\n </thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <td>Up to 24</td>\n <td>up to £61.05</td>\n </tr>\n <tr>\n <td>25 or over</td>\n <td>up to £77.00</td>\n </tr>\n </tbody>\n</table>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-youre-paid\">How you’re paid</h2>\n\n<p>All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your <a href=\"/how-to-have-your-benefits-paid\">bank, building society or credit union account</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"your-first-payment\">Your first payment</h3>\n\n<p>You may have to wait up to 7 days after applying for your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> to start, and up to 2 weeks after that to get your first payment.</p>\n\n<p>Your first payment may not be for the full amount.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"after-your-first-payment\">After your first payment</h3>\n\n<p>Payments will usually be made every 2 weeks and they will be the full amount.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"if-youre-moving-to-universal-credit-from-income-based-jsa\">If you’re moving to Universal Credit from income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>\n</h2>\n\n<p>If your income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> claim is ending because you’re making a new claim for Universal Credit, you’ll automatically continue to get the amount of <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> you currently receive, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll normally get this for 2 weeks, starting from the date of your new claim.</p>\n\n<p>The Department for Work and Pensions (<abbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\">DWP</abbr>) will write to you telling you how this works.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>You do not need to pay this money back, and it will not affect the amount of Universal Credit you get.</p>\n</div>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Eligibility", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility", "text": "<p>To be eligible for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>) you’ll need to have both:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>worked as an employee</li>\n <li>paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years (<a href=\"/national-insurance-credits\">National Insurance credits</a> can also count)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker.</p>\n\n<p>You’ll also need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - <a href=\"/contact-jobcentre-plus\">contact Jobcentre Plus</a> for advice)</li>\n <li>be under the <a href=\"/state-pension-age\">State Pension age</a>\n</li>\n <li>not be in full-time education</li>\n <li>be available for work</li>\n <li>not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average</li>\n <li>not have an illness or disability which stops you from working</li>\n <li>live in England, Scotland or Wales</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>While you receive <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>, you’ll need to take reasonable steps to look for work as agreed with your work coach.</p>\n\n<p>Your savings and your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.</p>\n\n<p>You can get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>) for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>Check if you’re <a href=\"/universal-credit/eligibility\">eligible for Universal Credit</a>. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).</p>\n</div>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa", "text": "<p>Before you apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>), <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility\">check if you’re eligible</a>.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>There is a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/jobseekers-allowance\">different process in Northern Ireland</a>.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>To apply, you’ll need your:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li><a href=\"/lost-national-insurance-number\">National Insurance number</a></li>\n <li>bank or building society account details (or those of a family member or trusted friend)</li>\n <li>employment details for the past 6 months, including employer contact details and dates you worked with them</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You’ll also need a statement letter if you receive any money from:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>a <a href=\"/pension-types\">private pension</a>\n</li>\n <li>a <a href=\"/workplace-pensions\">workplace pension</a>\n</li>\n <li><a href=\"/personal-pensions-your-rights/how-you-can-take-pension\">an annuity</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>To reclaim you need to apply again, even if your details have not changed.</p>\n\n<p>You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months in certain circumstances.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"apply-online\">Apply online</h2>\n\n<p>You cannot apply online if you’re under 18.</p>\n\n<p><a class=\"gem-c-button govuk-button\" role=\"button\" data-module=\"govuk-button\" draggable=\"false\" href=\"https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/en/jobseekersallowanceclaim\">Apply for New Style <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr></a></p>\n\n<h2 id=\"if-you-cannot-apply-online-or-need-alternative-formats\">If you cannot apply online or need alternative formats</h2>\n\n<p><a href=\"/contact-jobcentre-plus/new-benefit-claims\">Contact Jobcentre Plus</a> if any of the following apply:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>you’re aged 16 to 17</li>\n <li>you need help applying</li>\n <li>you need communications to be sent to you in an alternative format, such as braille, large print or audio CD</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"after-you-make-your-claim\">After you make your claim</h2>\n\n<p>If you gave your mobile number or email address in your online application, you’ll get a text or email to confirm it’s been submitted.</p>\n\n<p>The Department for Work and Pensions (<abbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\">DWP</abbr>) will then contact you within 14 days of applying. You’ll either:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>be <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-interview\">invited to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office</a>\n</li>\n <li>receive a letter to explain why you’re not eligible for <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You do not need to contact <abbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\">DWP</abbr> unless it has been more than 14 days since you applied and you have not heard anything.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"if-you-disagree-with-a-decision\">If you disagree with a decision</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"/mandatory-reconsideration\">challenge a decision</a> about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"make-a-complaint\">Make a complaint</h2>\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"/complain-jobcentre-plus\">complain about Jobcentre Plus</a> if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.</p>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Your JSA interview", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-interview", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-interview", "text": "<p>If you’re invited to an interview, you must attend. It will be at your local Jobcentre Plus office.</p>\n\n<p>You’ll be asked some questions to confirm your identity and then you’ll make an agreement about what steps you’ll take to look for work.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"documents-you-need-to-bring-to-your-interview\">Documents you need to bring to your interview</h2>\n\n<p>You’ll need to bring all of the following:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>one photographic proof of identity</li>\n <li>one proof of address</li>\n <li>one further proof of identity</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you have a <a href=\"/paye-forms-p45-p60-p11d\">P45 from your employer</a>, bring this to your interview. When you present it, tell your work coach if you’ve already received or claimed a tax refund from HMRC for the current tax year.</p>\n\n<p>You can also use your P45 as your further proof of identity.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"photographic-proof-of-identity\">Photographic proof of identity</h3>\n\n<p>Examples include your:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>current passport</li>\n <li>driving licence</li>\n <li>biometric residence permit</li>\n <li>certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen</li>\n <li>permanent residence permit</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"proof-of-address\">Proof of address</h3>\n\n<p>Examples include a:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>payslip or pension statement dated within the last 6 months</li>\n <li>utility bill dated within the last 6 months</li>\n <li>Council Tax bill dated within the last 6 months</li>\n <li>student loan documentation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"further-proof-of-identity\">Further proof of identity</h3>\n\n<p>Examples include your:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>P60</li>\n <li>savings account book</li>\n <li>personal cheque book</li>\n <li>current debit, credit or store card with a statement confirming the card details</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Utility bills can be used for proof of address and as further proof of identity if they are from different suppliers.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance\">Read the complete list of documents you can bring to your interview</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"support-at-your-interview\">Support at your interview</h2>\n\n<p>You can take someone with you to your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> interview.</p>\n\n<p><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/\">Contact your Jobcentre Plus</a> before the interview if you need:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>support because of a disability or health condition (for example, if you’re deaf and need a sign language interpreter)</li>\n <li>a foreign language interpreter and do not have someone who can help with interpretation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"sign-an-agreement-to-look-for-work-claimant-commitment\">Sign an agreement to look for work (‘Claimant Commitment’)</h2>\n\n<p>At your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> interview, you must sign an agreement about what steps you’ll take to look for a job. This is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’.</p>\n\n<p>You and your work coach will agree what goes in your Claimant Commitment. This could include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>what you need to do to look for work - for example registering with recruitment agencies, writing a CV</li>\n <li>how many hours you need to spend looking for work each week</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>What you agree to do will depend on things like:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>your health</li>\n <li>your responsibilities at home</li>\n <li>how much help you need to get work or increase your income</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p><a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim\">Your JSA might be reduced or stopped</a> if you do not do what you’ve agreed to in your Claimant Commitment and you cannot give a good reason</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"after-your-jsa-interview\">After your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> interview</h2>\n\n<p>The Department for Work and Pensions (<abbr title=\"Department for Work and Pensions\">DWP</abbr>) will write to you to either:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>let you know you are eligible for <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> and how much you’ll get</li>\n <li>explain why you’re not eligible for <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You will not need to do what you’ve agreed in your Claimant Commitment if you’re not eligible for <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>.</p>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Your JSA claim", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/your-jsa-claim", "text": "<p>When you apply to claim <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>, your work coach will make an agreement with you to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’.</p>\n\n<p>Your Claimant Commitment could include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>what you need to do to look for work - for example registering with recruitment agencies or writing a CV</li>\n <li>how many hours you need to spend looking for work each week</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You should continue to do all the things you have agreed to do if you can do them safely.</p>\n\n<p>You can search and apply for work using the <a href=\"/find-a-job\">‘Find a job’ service</a>.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>You must tell Jobcentre Plus <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances\">if your circumstances change</a>, for example you start working or your income changes.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"attending-regular-appointments\">Attending regular appointments</h2>\n\n<p>Your work coach will arrange appointments with you every 1 to 2 weeks.</p>\n\n<p>At these appointments, you must show your work coach what you’ve been doing to look for work, for example proof of job applications and interviews.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you might be able to get a break of up to 13 weeks from job seeking - speak to your work coach if you need this support.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"when-payment-can-be-reduced-or-stopped\">When payment can be reduced or stopped</h2>\n\n<p>Your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> payments can be reduced or stopped for a period if you do not do something your work coach asks you to do. This is called being ‘sanctioned’. For example, if you:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>do not take part in an appointment with your work coach</li>\n <li>do not accept or keep to your agreement to look for work</li>\n <li>turn down a job or training course</li>\n <li>do not apply for any jobs you’re told about</li>\n <li>do not take part in any interviews you’re invited to</li>\n <li>do not go to any training booked for you or take part in employment schemes</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You may also be sanctioned if you:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>are not available to start work straight away</li>\n <li>choose to take a pay cut at your current job without a good reason</li>\n <li>have your pay cut at your current job because of something you did, such as your behaviour</li>\n <li>leave your last job or training without good reason or because of your behaviour</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p><a href=\"/contact-jobcentre-plus\">Contact Jobcentre Plus</a> as soon as possible if any of these apply to you. You may be able to keep your payment if you have good reason.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>You’ll be told how long your payment will be reduced or stopped for. It could be for up to 26 weeks (about 6 months).</p>\n\n<p>If you want to know how long your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> payment could be reduced or stopped for, <a href=\"/government/publications/jobseekers-allowance-sanctions-leaflet/jobseekers-allowance-sanctions-how-to-keep-your-benefit-payment\">read part 3 or part 4 of the guidance on <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> sanctions</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"if-your-jsa-payment-is-reduced-or-stopped\">If your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> payment is reduced or stopped</h3>\n\n<p>If your payment is reduced or stopped, you should keep looking for work. Your benefit payment could be affected for longer if you do not.</p>\n\n<p>If you disagree with the decision to stop payment, you can <a href=\"/mandatory-reconsideration\">ask for the decision to be looked at again</a> - this is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’.</p>\n\n<p>If you disagree with the outcome of the mandatory reconsideration, you can <a href=\"/social-security-child-support-tribunal\">appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You should continue with any <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> claim until the dispute is settled.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"if-you-claim-housing-benefit-or-council-tax-reduction\">If you claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction</h3>\n\n<p>You should <a href=\"/find-your-local-council\">contact your local council</a> immediately. They’ll tell you what to do to continue getting support.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"if-your-claim-is-ended\">If your claim is ended</h2>\n\n<p>If you get income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>, your claim may be ended if you’re not available for or actively seeking work.</p>\n\n<p>You cannot apply for income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> again. Instead, check if you’re <a href=\"/universal-credit/eligibility\">eligible for Universal Credit</a> and <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/eligibility\">eligible for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>)</a>. You could get both at the same time.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"hardship-payments\">Hardship payments</h2>\n\n<p>If you were claiming income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>, you may be able to get a hardship payment if your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> payments have been stopped. You do not have to pay it back.</p>\n\n<p>A hardship payment is a reduced amount (usually 60%) of your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>.</p>\n\n<p>If you were claiming New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>), you cannot get a hardship payment.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"eligibility\">Eligibility</h3>\n\n<p>You can get a hardship payment if you cannot pay for rent, heating, food or other basic needs for you or your child.</p>\n\n<p>You must be 18 or over.</p>\n\n<p>You’ll have to show that you’ve tried to find the money from somewhere else, such as borrowing from a friend or working extra hours.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"how-to-claim\">How to claim</h3>\n\n<p>Speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser or work coach to find out how to claim a hardship payment.</p>\n\n<div class=\"contact\">\n<p>Jobcentre Plus<br>\nTelephone: 0800 169 0310<br>\nTextphone: 0800 169 0314<br>\nWelsh language: 0800 328 1744<br>\nMonday to Friday, 8am to 6pm<br>\n<a href=\"/call-charges\">Find out about call charges</a></p>\n</div>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "If you’re getting income-based JSA", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/if-youre-getting-income-based-jsa", "text": "<p>As long as you’re still eligible, you’ll keep getting income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (<abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>) until <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances\">your circumstances change</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Jobcentre Plus will talk to you about your options. If you’re eligible you might be able to claim <a href=\"/universal-credit\">Universal Credit</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You need to take reasonable steps to look for work while getting <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>You must tell Jobcentre Plus if <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances\">your circumstances change</a>, for example you start working or your income changes.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"working-hours-and-income\">Working hours and income</h2>\n\n<p>If you start working more than 16 hours a week, you might stop being eligible for <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>.</p>\n\n<p>You might stop being eligible for income-based <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> if:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>your partner starts working 24 hours or more a week, or increases their hours to 16 hours or more a week</li>\n <li>your savings increase to £16,000 or more (including your partner’s savings)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>You cannot apply for income-based JSA any more. Instead, check if you’re <a href=\"/universal-credit/eligibility\">eligible for Universal Credit</a> and <a href=\"/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa/eligibility\">New Style JSA</a>. You could get both at the same time.</p>\n</div>\n\n" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Report a change of circumstances", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20230307213915/https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/report-a-change-of-circumstances", "text": "<p>You must tell Jobcentre Plus if your circumstances change, for example you start working or your income changes. This might affect how much you get.</p>\n\n<p>Volunteering will not normally affect your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> but you should report it before you start.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>Your claim might be reduced or stopped if you do not report a change straight away.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>A change of circumstance can include:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>starting or stopping work, education, training or an apprenticeship</li>\n <li>changes to your or your partner’s income or working hours</li>\n <li>moving house</li>\n <li>changing your name</li>\n <li>people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner or a child)</li>\n <li>changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets</li>\n <li>changes to your pension, savings, investments or property</li>\n <li>changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)</li>\n <li>changing your doctor</li>\n <li>any changes to your medical condition or disability</li>\n <li>going into hospital or a care home or sheltered accommodation</li>\n <li>going abroad for any length of time</li>\n <li>changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Call the <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> helpline if you’re not sure whether you need to report a change.</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>You may be prosecuted or have to pay a £50 penalty if you give wrong or incomplete information, or do not report changes straight away.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-report\">How to report</h2>\n\n<p>You can report a change of circumstances by:</p>\n\n<ul>\n <li>calling the <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> helpline</li>\n <li>writing to the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr> - the address is on the letters you get about your <abbr title=\"Jobseeker's Allowance\">JSA</abbr>\n</li>\n</ul>\n\n<div class=\"contact\">\n<p>JSA and New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) helpline<br>\nTelephone: 0800 169 0310<br>\nTextphone: 0800 169 0314<br>\n<a href=\"https://www.relayuk.bt.com\">Relay UK</a> (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310<br>\nBritish Sign Language (BSL) <a href=\"https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=DWP\">video relay service</a> if you’re on a computer - find out how to <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oELNMfAvDxw\">use the service on mobile or tablet</a><br>\nWelsh language: 0800 328 1744</p>\n\n<p>Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm<br>\n<a href=\"/call-charges\">Find out about call charges</a></p>\n</div>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Information\" class=\"application-notice info-notice\">\n<p>If you’re claiming <a href=\"/universal-credit/changes-of-circumstances\">Universal Credit</a> as well as New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you must report changes to both services.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"if-youve-been-paid-too-much\">If you’ve been paid too much</h2>\n\n<p>If you do not report a change straight away or give wrong or incomplete information, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to <a href=\"/benefit-overpayments/when-repayments-have-to-be-made\">pay some of the money back</a>.</p>\n\n" } } ] } </script> </body> </html>

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