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

Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

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. 

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

You might get this type if your income and savings are low enough. There is no time limit on receiving this. You do not need to have paid any national insurance contributions. If you have a partner they must either not be working, or working fewer than 24 hours a week.

If you get contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may get some income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance as well if you are on a low income and:

• have a partner, or

• have a disability, or

• are caring for a person with a disability, or

• have housing costs (e.g. a mortgage).

Please note that if you live in a Universal Credit full digital service area, and try to make a new claim for Income-based Jobseekers Allowance, you could instead be required to claim Universal Credit.  If you or your partner are receiving a 'legacy benefit' such as Child Tax Credit or Housing Benefit, you will lose these if you make a claim for Universal Credit.  You can find out if you live in a Universal Credit full service area by visiting the Universal Credit Info website and entering your postcode. Read more about this on our section on Universal Credit.

Updated March 2018