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Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
What is it?
Income based Job Seekers Allowance is a benefit that is paid by the government to people who have no, or very little income, and are unemployed and seeking work.
If you are aged 16 or over, and have no or very little income, then you may be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance. In order to get Jobseekers Allowance you must not be working more than 16 hours a week, and must meet ‘labour market conditions’ (which means that you are available for work, you are actively seeking work, and you have a jobseekers agreement).
Unlike is partner (contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance), Income based Jobseekers allowance does not require that you have paid 2 years worth of National Insurance contributions before you are eligible. Therefore, if you have just left school, you will probably need to claim Income based JSA.
In order to apply for Jobseekers Allowance, you will need to pop along, with all your details (especially your National Insurance number) to your nearest Jobcentre plus, and fill in a claim form.
How much will I get?
If you claim Jobseekers Allowance, the amounts that you can expect to receive are:
£34.60 a week for single people aged 16-17
£45.50 a week for single people aged 18-24 (including some 16-17 year olds)
£57.45 a week for single people aged 25 or over.
Single parents can expect to receive:
£34.60 a week for people aged under 18
£45.50 a week for people aged under 18 in certain circumstances
£57.45 a week for people aged 18 or over.
Couples can expect to receive:
A maximum of £68.65 a week if both people are aged under 18
A maximum of £90.10 a week if both people are aged 18 or over.
(Please also note that if you are living with your partner, their circumstances e.g. age may also affect your claim, so make sure that you take appropriate advice).
Children, until the day before their 19th Birthday can expect to receive £43.88 a week.
In addition to the above amounts, certain groups of people can claim a little extra to meet extra living costs. They are:
Families can claim an extra £16.25 a week
If you have a disabled child, you can claim an extra £45.08 a week
If you are a carer, you are entitled to claim an extra £26.35 a week
If you are single, and disabled, you can claim an extra £24.50 a week
If you are a couple, and disabled, you can claim an extra £34.95 a week
If you are severely disabled, and single, you can claim an extra £46.75 a week
If you are severely disabled, and a couple, you can claim an extra £93.50 a week
If you have a small income, and are single, then the first £5.00 of your income is ignored.
If you have a small income, and are a couple, then the first £10.00 of your income is ignored.
How do I apply?
You will need to complete a claim form, which you will need to complete and return when you attend your ‘Job Seeker Interview’.
Where do I apply?
An adviser at your local Jobcentre plus office can point you in the right direction. They will give you all the relevant forms that you will need to complete, and can arrange a suitable date and time for your Job Seekers Interview.
Is there anything else I should know?
At the interview, an adviser will:
Disclaimer, Target Audience, Jurisdiction Last updated & checked: 10/04/2006