Able to work and looking for work?

This is a general guide to benefits you may be able to get from Jobcentre Plus and other offices if you are of working age. For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or Social Security office.

Jobseeker's Allowance

• For people who are available for and actively seeking work.
• For men aged under 65 or women aged under 60.

Are you capable of working and:

• out of work or
• working less than 16 hours a week?

• You may have to make a joint claim with your partner. Ask an adviser for details.
• To get benefit you will need to discuss your availability for work and jobsearch activity every two weeks.
• If you have paid enough National Insurance contributions you may be able to get contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
• If you have income and savings below a certain level you may be able to claim income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
• Jobcentre Plus or Jobcentre staff will give you the help you need to find the right job or training.

Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre as soon as you know you will be unemployed. Claim as soon as you can. If you delay you may lose money.

When you first make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance, you will have an appointment with a personal adviser. Together you will:

• discuss the type of work you are looking for and the best ways of finding a job
• plan your next steps to find work, training and other opportunities
• draw up a Jobseekers Agreement
• check that you have completed the claim form.

For more information:
check Jobseeker's Allowance