Job Seekers Allowance
What is Income Based Jobseekers Allowance?
Means Tested Jobseekers Allowance is the equivalent of Income
Support for people who have to sign-on as available for work but do
not meet the qualifying conditions for Contributory Jobseekers
Allowance. Means Tested Jobseekers Allowance is claimed through the
local Employment Services Office.
What are the conditions for claiming Income Based Jobseekers
Allowance?
Means Tested Jobseekers Allowance can be paid on top of
Contributory Jobseekers Allowance where this is not sufficient to
meet the needs of the claimant (and family). The claimant
must be available for and show proof of actively seeking full time
employment.
It is usually paid fortnightly in arrears. A claim for this
benefit will usually trigger involvement from the Child Support
Agency. Childless couples claiming income-based Jobseekers
Allowance have to make a joint claim, where one or both members
were born after 19 March 1976.
What is Contributory Jobseekers Allowance?
Contributory Jobseekers Allowance depends on your National
Insurance Contributions. It is not means tested but it is taxable.
Contributory Jobseekers Allowance is claimed through the local
Employment Services Office. It is paid at different set rates
for persons who are:
- Under 18
- Aged 18-24
- 25 and over
It is paid for a maximum of 6 months. The claimant must be
available for and show proof of actively seeking full time
employment. For more information and to make a claim
contact.