Jobseeker's Allowance

How it works  

You can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you look for work. 

What you need to do  

  1. Check you’re eligible (external link) 

  2. Make a claim (external link) and go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office 

  3. Keep to your agreement (external link) to look for work 

Your JSA payments will be stopped (external link) if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason. 

Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit (external link). If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of ‘new style’ JSA. 

What you’ll get 

There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on things like your age, income and savings.  

Use a benefits calculator (external link) to check how much JSA you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected. 

Amount of JSA you may be entitled to 
Up to age 24 £67.20 per week 
Aged 25 or over £84.80 per week 

How you’re paid 

Payments are usually made every 2 weeks. 

All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank, building society or credit union account (external link)

See also: