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What is it?
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a benefit paid to people who are not working (or only working part-time working less than 16 hours a week) and who are actively seeking work.
There are 2 types of JSA: contribution-based and income-based.
Contribution-based JSA
This is based on the national insurance contributions you have paid in certain tax years and it is also only paid for 6 months.
You must be present in the UK to claim Contributions-based JSA
If you do not have enough national insurance contributions to get this benefit you should apply for income based JSA.
The calculator can not work out if you are entitled to contribution-based JSA.
How much do I get paid on Contribution based JSA?
From April 2012 the rate for contribution based JSA is:
age under 25 - £56.25
age 25 or over - £71.00
Income-based JSA
This is payable if you have not paid enough National Insurance contributions or when your contribution-based JSA stops. It can also top-up contribution-based JSA. It can be paid for as long as you keep meeting the rules for it.
If you receive JSA (income-based) you may be able to get help with the cost of your mortgage or home loan. If you qualify for help with housing costs we include the full amount of any help that you are entitled to (though there may in fact be a 'waiting period' at the start of your claim). For more information see help with housing costs.
You cannot get income based JSA if your capital or savings (or you and your partner's capital or savings) are above £16,000. Your benefit will be affected if your capital or savings (or you and your partner's capital or savings) are above £6,000 (£10,000 if you live permanently in a care home).
How much do I get paid on income-based JSA?
Income-based JSA is calculated using a personal allowance plus any premiums that might apply for specific circumstances i.e disability premiums, carer premiums.
From April 2012 the personal allowance rates for income-based JSA is:
age 16-24 - £56.25
age 25 or over - £71.00
lone parent under 18 - £56.25
lone parent age 18 or over - £71.00
couple both age 18 or over - £111.45
Can I get it?
If you go through the calculator we will work out whether you are entitled to JSA (income-based) and how much you might be able to claim. The calculator can not work out if you are entitled to contribution-based JSA.
If you qualify for help with housing costs we include the full amount of any help that you are entitled to.
How do I claim JobSeeker's Allowance?
You claim by completing forms JSA1 and ES2 (ES9 if you are age 16 to 17) available from your local Jobcentre Plus office and also by signing a jobseeker's agreement.
You can also make an online claim from the DirectGov website at Claim JSA on-line or phone the following:
Telephone: 0800 0 55 66 88
Textphone: 0800 0 23 48 88
Lines are open from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
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