Benefits - Jobseeker's Allowance
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Description
This is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work or work less than 16 hours a week on average. If you're eligible, it is paid while you're looking for work.
Contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance
You may get contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance (NI) contributions in the relevant tax years. If awarded, it can be paid for up to 182 days. Self employed contributions will not generally qualify you for contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
This is based on your income and savings. You may get this if you have not paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs) (or you have only paid contributions for self-employment) and you are on a low income.
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Who can claim
To get Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) you must:
- Be 18 or over but below State Pension age - there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17
- Not be in full-time education
- Be in England, Scotland or Wales
- Be able and available for work
- Be actively seeking work
- Work on average less than 16 hours a week
- Go to a JSA interview
- You are forced to live away from your parents
- You will suffer severe hardship if you do not get JSA
- You and your partner are responsible for a child
- You are a single parent
If any of these apply, you may be able to get income-based JSA.
Please note, Jobseekers Allowance is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit. Some people in the Highlands are able to claim Universal Credit now. If you're already receiving Jobseekers Allowance, you should carry on claiming as normal. You'll be told when you need to do anything differently.
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How to claim
Claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) online
Contact The Highland Councils Welfare Support Team for free advice and support on completing the form on:
Phone: 0800 090 1004
or
Contact Jobcentre Plus on:
Phone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 023 4888
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Further information