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

Contribution-based/New-style 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.  

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) can be paid with Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you qualify for both. If you qualify for Universal Credit instead of Income-based JSA, 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.

Please note that if you try to make a new claim for Income-based Jobseeker's 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 whether you can still claim Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance by using our Benefits Calculator or by seeking advice. You can find an advice agency in your area by using our Find-an-adviser tool.   Read more about Universal Credit. on our website.

You can still get Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in one of the following situations:

• You are on income-based JSA at present, unless you try to claim another legacy benefit or Universal Credit, or
• You (or your partner) are getting Contribution-based JSA and your claim for it started before your area became a Universal Credit full digital service area (Get advice first if you think this might apply); 
• You are getting a Severe Disability Premium or you are entitled to get it.

In addition:

• You and (your partner's) income is low enough, and
• You and (your partner's) savings are capital are below £16000, and
• You are available for work and actively seeking work, and
• You are under pension age, 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 February 2019