Jobseekers Allowance                                                             

*NOTE* The information on this page is intended as a GUIDE to give you some idea of what you MIGHT be able to claim.

Benefits and criteria often change so use the contact details and websites below to find out what you can claim.

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At your Local Connexions Centre you can make an appointment to see a Personal Adviser who can give you advice and guidance on this subject and many more.  You can also contact us online to ask a question and receive a reply. To contact us online CLICK HERE.

More on Jobseekers Allowance...

• What is Jobseekers Allowance
• Who is eligible for Jobseekers Allowance?
• How much is Jobseekers Allowance?
• How to apply for Jobseekers Allowance
• Where to get help and more information

What is Jobseekers Allowance. . .    [BACK TO MENU]

Jobseekers Allowance is available to people aged 18 and over who are not working but are available for work and actively seeking work.

There are two types of Jobseekers Allowance:

• Contribution-based: this is based on the previous National Insurance contributions a person has paid

Who is eligible for Jobseekers Allowance?    [BACK TO MENU]

Jobseekers Allowance is available for those over the age of 18 who are capable and available for work and actively seeking a job.

A Jobseeker’s Agreement is agreed with an adviser at the local Job Centre, covering the type of job you are looking for and how you will try to get work. You will have regular follow up interviews to discuss your job search progress. Your benefit depends on you proving that you are actively looking for work and doing as you agreed in your Jobseeker’s Agreement.

Full-time students are not usually able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance. Part-time students may be able to claim if they are available for and actively seeking work. They must also be willing to change the hours they study or give up their course immediately to start a job.

16 and 17 year olds are not usually entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance as the government has guaranteed a Youth Training Place to all. However, certain groups are able to claim. These include:

• People with a partner and children
• People with disabilities
• people who have just left care or prison
• Young people forced to live away from home.

How much is Jobseekers Allowance?    [BACK TO MENU]

Contribution-based Jobseeker’s allowance is at a fixed rate, depending on age.

Sample amounts (Aug 2009)

Aged 16 - 24           £50.95 pw
Aged 25 or over       £64.30 pw

Income-based Jobseeker’s allowance is means-tested and takes into account any income, savings, part-time work or income of a partner.

Sample amounts (Aug 2009)

Single person aged 16 - 24       £50.95
Single person 25 or over           £64.30
Lone parents under 18              £50.95
Lone parents 18 or over            £64.30

The rules and amounts often change so contact your local Job centre for more information (see local numbers at bottom).

How to apply for Jobseekers Allowance    [BACK TO MENU]

If you are aged 18 and above visit your local Job Centre for a claim pack and arrange an interview with an adviser.

If you are aged 16-17, call at your nearest Connexions office to register for work and training. You will complete a form which you then take to your local Job Centre to claim Jobseekers allowance.

Where to get help and more information    [BACK TO MENU]

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

   Job Centre Contact Numbers:

Some useful websites are listed below:-

Help and advice on job hunting and extra support. For more information visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

This link takes you to the A to Z of benefits with useful contact numbers where appropriate. Visit www.dwp.gov.uk/contact-us/contact-a-z.

Information about benefits and services you may be able to get and how to apply, including forms you can download. Visit this website at www.dss.gov.uk.

The place to turn to for the latest and widest range of public service information is www.direct.gov.uk.

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