It is now called New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance. You could also get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of New Style JSA.
If you previously received income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, you will keep receiving payments for this as long as you are eligible. You cannot make new applications for income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance.
Eligibility
- You have worked as an employee (if you were self-employed, you are not eligible)
- You have paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the last 2-3 years (including National Insurance credits)
- You are over 18 (there are some exceptions for 16- or 17-year-olds)
- You are under State Pension age (this depends on your sex and date of birth)
- You are not in full-time education (there are some exceptions, such as if you do not get a maintenance loan, grant or bursary for your studies)
- You are available to start working (you are currently not working, or you only work a maximum of 16 hours per week)
- You do not have an illness or disability which prevents you from working (in this case, you may be eligible for Employment Support and Allowance (ESA) instead)
- You live in the UK
Weekly amounts
| Age | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 | Up to £72.90 |
| 25 or over | Up to £92.05 |
Apply or find out more
- Apply on the UK Gov website
- Read more info from Citizens Advice
- Use the benefits calculator from Edinburgh Council
Contact VOCAL
If you still have any questions about Job Seeker’s Allowance, you can contact our benefits team at VOCAL. We provide one-to-one advice, as well as regular advice surgeries where we offer benefits checks to carers we support.
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