Jobseeker’s Allowance is the social security benefit for people who are unemployed or who are working for less than 16 hours per week. To qualify for JSA a jobseeker must be capable of work, available for work, actively seeking work, and must enter into a “Jobseeker’s Agreement” which sets out the steps he will take in order to find work. Jobseekers who have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions can receive contribution-based JSA at a personal rate for up to six months. Those who do not qualify for contribution-based JSA, or whose needs are not met by the contribution-based allowance, can claim income-based JSA for themselves and their dependants subject to a means test. Income-based JSA is paid for as long as needed, provided that the qualifying conditions continue to be met.
Schedules 7 and 8 Part V make particular changes to the rules for JSA.
Glossary Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)