There are two types of Jobseeker's Allowance: contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and it is possible to get both at the same time.

Who is eligible?

There are common rules of eligibility for both types of Jobseeker's Allowance. You must be:

• capable of work;
  
• available for work;
  
• actively seeking work;
  
• under 65 (for men) or 60 (for women);
  
• not working, or working on average less than 16 hours a week;
  
• not in full-time education (with limited exceptions);
  
• living in Great Britain (though it can be paid for short periods of temporary absence in limited circumstances); and
  
• have entered into a Jobseeker's Agreement (see below).

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance:
If you have paid enough National Insurance contributions recently you may be able to get contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. This is a non-means-tested personal flat-rate allowance, payable for up to 6 months and is taxable. The amount you get may be affected by earnings, or by an occupational/personal pension. Only your earnings are taken into account; any earnings of a partner are ignored. Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance is not affected by other income or savings you may have.

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance:
If you have no income or a low income you may get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, even if you have not paid National Insurance contributions. It is means tested and taxable. You can claim for yourself and, if you have one, your partner. The amount you get is based on how much the law says you need to live on and is calculated in a similar manner to Income Support. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance can top up contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance. Entitlement to income-based Jobseeker's Allowance gives access to other benefits including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. You may not be entitled to income-based Jobseeker's Allowance if your partner is working 24 hours or more a week.

 

Signing on

You will normally be expected to ‘sign on’ at the Jobcentre plus office every two weeks and discuss how your job search is going. In addition, you must also attend regular, more detailed interviews to look at your situation. 

How much is awarded?

Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance is usually paid at a flat rate of £60.50 a week (There are lower rates of £47.95 for those aged under 25).

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance is means tested. The amount you will receive will take into account things like your age, your (and your partner’s) income and capital, your (or a partner’s) disabilities, plus certain housing costs. Savings over £6,000 (or £10,000 if you live in a care home) will be taken into account and assumed to provide you with a certain amount of income. If it is found that your income is less than the basic amount the law says you need to live on, you will receive the difference as Jobseeker’s Allowance.  

How to make a claim

On the first day you are unemployed you should begin your claim by contacting a Jobcentre Plus contact centre (call 0800 055 6688 to be put through to them). Information to start processing your claim is usually first obtained from you over the phone. Appointments can then be made for you to discuss your benefit entitlement and your employment options at a Jobseeker’s Allowance interview.  

Jobseeker's Allowance interviews and the Jobseeker’s Agreement

At the Jobseeker's Allowance interview, a Personal Advisor will discuss your application and ensure you understand the rules for Jobseeker's Allowance. They will also discuss what type of work you want and the best ways of you finding a job.

To get Jobseeker's Allowance you must have a Jobseeker's Agreement. This will be made at the interview and both you and the Personal Advisor will sign it. It will include details of:

• Your availability for work, including any restrictions imposed by your condition.


• The sort of work you are looking for.


• How you will look for work and what you intend to do to improve your employment prospects.


• How Jobcentre Plus aims to help you.

You may want more specialist advice from a Disability Employment Advisor, if so, ask the Personal Advisor for a referral.  

Last Updated

Reviewed by: Ian Greaves, Disability Rights Handbook editor, Disability Alliance. May 2008.