How much is just enough to get by? According to new research, it is £120 a week. After housing costs, that is the bare minimum required for an unemployed single adult in the UK to eat regularly, heat their home, have the odd shower, take the odd bus trip, use a mobile phone, and, well, not do too much else.
Claimants of certain benefits are entitled to a range of support and discounts. However, one ‘little known’ discount may have passed you by and it could halve some costs, especially if you are traveling out of your area searching for work.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that you can claim while looking for work. Receiving this opens the door to an additional benefit, which is available at the discretion of local Jobcentre Plus offices – the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card. People on Universal Credit, a benefit payment to help with living costs, may also be eligible to apply for the card.
If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week on average you may be able to get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Jobseeker’s Allowance is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit.
Jobseeker’s Allowance is a contribution based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions, usually in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in. National Insurance credits can also count.
If you qualify, you can get Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to 182 days. After this your work coach will talk to you about your options.
If you qualify for both Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit, any Jobseeker’s Allowance you receive will be taken into account as income for Universal Credit.
You can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance – even if your partner works or you and your partner have savings over £16,000.
How much I will get from Jobseeker’s Allowance?
The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card is provided to those unemployed claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s). Cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets so this could be particularly useful for those seeking work out of their immediate area.
There’s a maximum amount you can get – but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.
| Age | Jobseeker’s Allowance weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 | up to £67.20 |
| 25 or over | up to £84.80 |
When to expect the first payment?
You may have to wait up to 7 days after applying for your JSA to start, and up to 2 weeks after that to get your first payment. All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.
Your first payment may not be for the full amount.
How Jobseeker’s Allowance payment being made?
Payments will usually be made every 2 weeks and they will be the full amount.
Jobseeker’s Allowance Application Requirements
To be eligible for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance you’ll need to have both:
- worked as an employee
- paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years (National Insurance credits can also count)
You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker. You may be able to claim New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) with, or instead of, Universal Credit, depending on your National Insurance record.
You’ll also need to:
- be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 – contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)
- be under the State Pension age
- not be in full-time education
- be available for work
- not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average
- not have an illness or disability which stops you from working
- live in England, Scotland or Wales
While you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance, you’ll need to take reasonable steps to look for work as agreed with your work coach.
Your savings and your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.
You can get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.
Jobseeker’s Allowance Interview Overview
If you’re invited to an interview, you must attend. It will be at your local Jobcentre Plus office.
You’ll be asked some questions to confirm your identity and then you’ll make an agreement about what steps you’ll take to look for work.
Documents you need to bring to your interview
You’ll need to bring all of the following:
- one photographic proof of identity
- one proof of address
- one further proof of identity
If you have a P45 from your employer, bring this to your interview. When you present it, tell your work coach if you’ve already received or claimed a tax refund from HMRC for the current tax year.
You can also use your P45 as your further proof of identity.
Photographic proof of identity
Examples include your:
- current passport
- driving licence
- biometric residence permit
- certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen
- permanent residence permit
Proof of address
Examples include a:
- payslip or pension statement dated within the last 6 months
- utility bill dated within the last 6 months
- Council Tax bill dated within the last 6 months
- student loan documentation
Further proof of identity
Examples include your:
- P60
- savings account book
- personal cheque book
- current debit, credit or store card with a statement confirming the card details
Utility bills can be used for proof of address and as further proof of identity if they are from different suppliers.
Apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance today from here.
