Jobseeker's Allowance

What is Jobseeker's Allowance?

Jobseeker's Allowance is the main benefit for people who are out of work. If you are eligible it is paid when you don't have a job and are looking for work.

There are 2 types of Jobseeker's Allowance:

• The first is called 'Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance'. You may get Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid or been credited with class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions in the relevant tax years. Self employed contributions will not generally qualify you for Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
• The other is based on your income and savings. This is called 'Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance'.

What are the benefit rates?

Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• Person aged 16-17: £47.95
• Person aged 18-24: £47.95
• Person aged 25 or over: £60.50

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Personal allowances - single people Rate

• Person aged 16-17: £47.95
• Person aged 18-24: £47.95
• Person aged 25 or over: £60.50

Personal allowances - couple Rate

• Both aged 16-17: £47.95
• Both aged 16/17, one disabled: £47.95
• Both aged 16/17, with responsibility for a child: £72.35
• One aged 16/17, one aged 18-24: £47.95
• One aged 16/17, one aged over 25: £60.50
• Both aged 18 or over: £94.95

Lone parents Rate

• Aged 16-17: £47.95
• or depending on their circumstances: £47.95
• Aged 18 or over: £60.50

Dependent children Rate

• Payable from birth up to the day before their 20th birthday: £52.59

Most families in receipt of Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance receive support for their children through Child Tax Credit. A decision will be made on transferring the remaining cases in due course. To find out more about Child Tax Credit.

What do I need to do next?

Call 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday). A textphone service is available if you have a speech or hearing impairment 0800 023 4888.

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Claim Online

You can claim Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Incapacity Benefit online