Benefits
Jobseeker’s Allowance and low income benefits
Explore the topic
Jobseeker’s Allowance and low income benefits
Finding a job
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support
The UK has left the EU
Check the new rules for January 2021
We use cookies to collect information about how you use GOV.UK. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services.
You can apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance ( JSA ) to help you when you look for work.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .
You do not need to go to JSA interviews and appointments at the moment because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
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 .
There’s a maximum amount you can get – but how much you’re entitled 41 Simple Ways to Make Quick Money in One Day (2023 Guide) 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.
Payments are usually made every 2 weeks.
All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank, building society or credit union account .
If your income-based JSA claim is ending because you’re making a new claim for Universal Credit, you’ll automatically continue to get the amount of JSA you currently receive, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll normally get this for 2 weeks, starting from the date of your new claim.
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) will write to you telling you how this works.
You do not need to pay this money back, and it will not affect the amount of Universal Credit you get.
All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 , except where otherwise stated