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Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a benefit paid by the government to people who are out of work. If you’re currently unemployed and looking for a job, you may be eligible.
Before applying, make sure you have these bits to hand:
You can apply online and within 10 days the Department of Work and Pensions will respond with an approval or rejection.
In your initial phone interview, you will agree to a ‘Claimant Commitment’. This could include a set number of hours per week spent applying for jobs. At your fortnightly Job Centre appointment, take along your various applications and details of any interviews.
Payments are made every 2 weeks into your bank, building society or credit union account.
The max you can claim depends on your age:
| Age | Maximum amount per week |
| Up to 24 | £71.70 |
| 25 or over | £90.50 |
Good news: your savings and your partner’s income or savings have no bearing on your claim!
You can also apply to backdate your claim for up to 3 months. Simply provide the date you want the claim to begin from and the reason it was delayed eg. a family bereavement.
Change in circumstances
If circumstances change, let the Job Centre know as soon as you can to avoid a potential penalty. These changes can include starting or stopping work, going abroad or moving house, a change in immigration status or a medical condition.
Volunteer work will not affect your claim but it’s always worth reporting.
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