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Jobseeker's Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work or work less than 16 hours a week on average. If you're eligible, it is paid while you're looking for work. Find out more information including how to apply online.
Who can get Jobseeker's Allowance?
To get Jobseeker's 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
Jobseeker's Allowance isn't normally paid to 16 or 17 year olds, except in special cases.
If you’re a man aged 60 to 64, you may be better off claiming Pension Credit. Contact Jobcentre Plus for advice.
How it works
There are two types of Jobseeker's Allowance, 'contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance' and 'income-based Jobseeker's Allowance'.
Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Jobcentre Plus can pay this for up to 182 days. It’s based on how much National Insurance you have paid in the last two tax years. Generally, self-employed contributions will not help you qualify for contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
This is based on your income and savings. You may get this if you have not paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs) (or you've only paid contributions for self-employment) and you're on a low income.
Please read 'National Insurance' for more information about National Insurance contributions.
How to claim
If you’ve claimed before
If you have stopped getting Jobseeker’s Allowance in the last 26 weeks and want to claim the same type again, call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.
Claim online
Apply online for Jobseeker’s Allowance:
Claim by phone
Call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.
There's a Welsh language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly.
Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Jobseeker's Allowance payments
Jobseeker's Allowance is paid at the end of every fortnight. It's paid straight into your bank or building society account. This is the best way to get your benefit because you can choose how and when to take your money out of your account.
If you get an occupational or personal pension, it may affect the amount of benefit you get.
Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance
The maximum weekly rates are:
| Age | Amount |
|---|---|
| Aged 16 - 24 | £50.95 |
| Aged 25 or over | £64.30 |
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
The maximum weekly rates are:
| Type of person | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single people, aged under 25 | £50.95 |
| Single people, aged 25 or over | £64.30 |
| Couples and civil partnerships (both aged 18 or over) | £100.95 |
| Lone parent (aged under 18) | £50.95 |
| Lone parent (aged 18 or over) | £64.30 |
For income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, the amount may be less after your household income, pension and savings is taken into account.
What happens next
Attending the Jobcentre
When you claim Jobseeker's Allowance, you'll need to attend an interview at the Jobcentre. An adviser will help you draw up a 'jobseeker's agreement'. This will set out the steps you agree to take to find work.
To keep getting benefit you'll have to attend regular jobsearch reviews, usually every fortnight. There's a longer review if you've been getting benefit for 13 weeks.
For more information about the help you can get to find work, visit:
If you think the decision is wrong
If Jobcentre Plus decides that you can't get Jobseeker's Allowance and you think this decision is wrong, you can appeal.
Changes in your circumstances
You must tell Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible about any changes in your circumstances, as it may affect your benefit.
