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Cont. based JSA
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Contribution-based Job Seekers Allowance
What is it?
Contribution based Jobseekers 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).
However, unlike its partner (Income based Jobseekers Allowance), it does require that you have paid a minimum amount of National Insurance contributions from one of the last two tax years. This means that it can be difficult to receive this form of Jobseekers Allowance if you are 16 or 17 years old*, as you probably haven’t been making any contributions while you were at school.
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.
(*If you are 16 or 17, before you go to the jobcentre you will have to register to do either work or training at your local Careers Service or Connexions.)
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:
- Make sure you understand the rules for Job Seekers Allowance
- Discuss the kinds of work that you are looking for and the best ways of finding a job
- Give you information about jobs, training, and other opportunities
- Check that you have filled out your form in full and given them all the information that they need
You must usually go to the Jobcentre every two weeks to confirm that you are still entitled to Job Seekers Allowance. Your adviser will discuss how your job search is going and if they can help.
As well as seeing them every 2 weeks, you must also attend regular, more detailed interviews to look at your situation.
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