Jobseeker's Allowance
Often known as 'the dole', this is the money you have to scrape by on if you don't have a job. But who can get it and how much do they pay out?
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is paid if you are:
- Capable of working;
- Available for work;
- Actively seeking work;
- 18 or over;
- Not working 16 hours a week or more.
How to claim
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus. You will be given a JSA claim pack and an appointment to discuss your job seeker's agreement. This will indicate what steps you will take to find work. Your claim should be processed within 10 working days. You must 'sign on' at the job centre once a fortnight. You will have a short interview to check your situation, job seeking progress and any change of circumstances. You receive payment within a few days of signing on.
How much?
For the financial year 2009-10: If you're single and between 16 and 24, you will get £50.95 a week. If you have children you will be eligible for more - for example if you're 18 or over you will get £64.30.
Types of Jobseeker's Allowance
1. Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income based Jobseeker's Allowance is 'means tested', this involves calculating how much you (and your family) need to live on according to their regulations. You can claim Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance if:
- You have an insufficient contributions record;
- Your contributory JSA has run out after six months;
- You are claiming for a partner.
When you claim income based JSA you claim separate allowances for yourself, any adult dependant and your children. You can also claim any premiums for which you or your dependants may qualify, such as Family Premium or Lone Parent Premium. If you have a mortgage on your home, you may also claim for mortgage interest payments.
2. Contributions-based JSA
This is based on your national insurance contribution record and is paid for a maximum period of six months.
- If you are 18-24 years-old you will find that the level of your benefit has been set at a reduced rate.
- You can only claim contributory JSA for yourself.
- Your right to claim contributory JSA is not affected by your partner's earnings or by the amount of savings you have.
- You cannot get contribution-based JSA if you have only been paying NI contributions for self-employment. You may be able to get income-based JSA.
It is possible to get both at the same time. If you claim Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance you may be able to top up your income with Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance to a level that is worked out depending on your individual circumstances. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will be available for both.
Job Grant
If you get a full-time job after more than a year on benefits you can receive a Job Grant to help you with the costs of starting work. Single people get £100 and single parents and couples get £250. To qualify for a Job Grant you must have moved into work of 16 hours a week for singles, or 24 hours a week for parents and couples. The work must be expected to last for at least five weeks. The grant does not apply to lone parents who continue to get Income Support for two weeks after they start work instead.
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