Jobcentre Plus

How it works

You can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you look for work.

This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

What you need to do

1. Check you’re eligible.

2. Make a claim and go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office.

3. Keep to your agreement to look for work.

Your JSA payments will be stopped if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.

Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of ‘new style’ JSA.

What you’ll get

There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on things like your age, income and savings.

Use a benefits calculator to check how much JSA you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected.

AgeJSA weekly amount

How you’re paid

Payments are usually made every 2 weeks.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.