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Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - Can I get Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is for people who are not in full time work, and can and want to work.

Last reviewed 25 September 2023

Can I get Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?

Contribution-based/New-style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

You can get this for up to six months if you have been working and have paid enough national insurance contributions within the last couple of years. It is paid just for you even if you have a partner.  

You can get contribution-based/New Style JSA at the same time as Universal Credit.  

A new claim for contribution-based JSA is also known as a new claim for New-style Jobseeker's Allowance.

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

It is no longer possible to make new claims for income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. It has been replaced by Universal Credit. If you or your partner are receiving a 'legacy benefit' such as Child Tax Credit or Housing Benefit, these will stop if you make a claim for Universal Credit. If you've received a notice letter telling you to claim Universal Credit, read our guide Universal Credit Migration Notice to find out about your next steps. 

If you are already getting income-based JSA, you can carry on getting it until you stop meeting the qualifying conditions, unless you claim Universal Credit.

The qualifying conditions for getting income-based JSA are:

  • You and (your partner's) income is low enough, and
  • You and (your partner's) savings and capital are below £16,000, and
  • You are available for work and actively seeking work, and
  • You are under 66, and
  • You must not be working, or working fewer than 16 hours a week, and
  • If you have a partner, they must not be working or working fewer than 24 hours a week.

Updated: December 2021

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