Head Office
Department for Work and Pensions
Caxton House, Tothill St,
Westminster,
London SW1H 9NA, UK
Customer Service
Phone: 0800 169 0310
Phone: 0800 055 6688
Phone: 0800 328 5644 (Universal Credit helpline)
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About Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a federal benefit for people unemployed and are actively seeking for employment in the UK. The unemployment benefit was first introduced in the year 1911. The British Government brought major changes and enhanced the program with the introduction of Jobseeker’s Allowance in 1996. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), only those who are not in full time employment and are capable of working are eligible for JSA benefits. There are currently two types of Jobseeker’s Allowance – Contribution-based and Income-based. While Contribution-based JSA is not influenced by the income or savings, under Income-based your income and savings will decide the allowance you will receive. Besides the two mentioned, there is also ‘New style’ JSA for those who have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions. You can get ‘New style’ JSA for up to 182 days.
A claim can be made via phone, online or through Jobcentre Plus.
To apply for Contribution-based JSA, you need to be entitled to or have been receiving the severe disability premium. You must also have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the last 2 to 3 years. To be eligible you need to be available for work and not have an illness or disability which stops you from working. To make a new claim, you can visit nearest Jobcentre Plus office. A more convenient way of claiming JSA would be online or via telephone. Those who have received the severe disability premium cannot submit a claim online. If you need help with claim, you can reach the Jobcentre Plus support. After a claim has been submitted, a text message will confirm the same. After interview and approval of claim, you will have to sign the Claimant Commitment that requires that you will actively seek employment during the period of receiving benefits. For the benefit of job seekers, the Department of Work & Pensions operates a job portal where you can search and apply for jobs. There are more than 140,000 registered employers on the platform. Job seekers can search for jobs by location or industry.
For the uninitiated, the JSA payments are usually made every two weeks. Claimants can receive amount in their bank, building society or credit union account. The weekly amount varies for those under age 25, couples and lone parent. As of 2020, the weekly amount for single and under 25 is set at £57.35. Those over age 25 will receive £72.40 every week. Couples can get up to up to £116.80. The benefits calculator on the official website will help claimants get an estimate. You will need to provide details of your income, savings, existing benefits, pension and outgoing payments for accurate information. The tools help you gather information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit. For complaints or queries on claims, forms, payment, career, or others, reach the JSA support.
