You may be able to receive Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) if you are:
aged 18 or over but below State Pension age;
unemployed;
willing and able to take up work immediately; and
actively seeking work.
There are some reductions in the number of hours you are expected to work if you are a carer or are limited due to your health. You have to sign on and have a Jobseekers Agreement.
There are two types of Jobseekers Allowance, contribution-based and income-based.
Contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance
You may be entitled to claim contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, if you have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions (NICs) in the right years.
Contribution-based JSA is not means tested but it is only payable for 6 months. If you get a pension payment of over £50 per week, you will receive your contribution-based JSA less this amount.
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
You may be entitled to claim income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, if you are on a low income and have not paid enough National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
This benefit is means tested and will be affected by your savings and most income that you have coming in.
You will not be able to get Income-based JSA, if you:
have savings over £16,000; and
work 16 hours per week or more.
Income-based JSA can help with mortgage payments.
For more information on Jobseekers Allowance, visit the Directgov website, available on this page under ‘External links’.