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Jobseeker's Allowance – an introduction

Applies to:  England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Who does it help?

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are unemployed but who:

• are capable of working, and
• are looking for a job. 

There are two sorts of JSA:

• contribution-based JSA. You get this for a limited period of time if you have paid enough national insurance contributions
• income-based JSA. You might get this if you did not pay enough national insurance contributions or if your contribution-based JSA has run out

Follow these links for more information about contribution-based JSA and income-based JSA.

This information has been produced by Citizens Advice. 

Date of publication: 5 November 2008