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What is job seeker's allowance? Job seeker's allowance is similar to unemployment compensation benefits in the US. It is for individuals who are of working age and are capable of working. To qualify for Job Seeker's Allowance you must be actively seeking for a job and over the age of eighteen and under the age of sixty five if male or sixty if you are female.
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More specific requirements and qualifications include those seeking for a job and are unemployed or who are employed sixteen hours or less per week, are available to work, are actively seeking work, and are not a full-time student.
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Those who are caring for children may be an exception and may also qualify for job seeker's allowance benefits. To find out if you are eligible for benefits, inquire at a local Jobcentre Plus or look at their website.
There are different versions of job seeker's allowance and different amounts can be paid out dependent on need and circumstance. One version of job seeker's allowance, contribution-based job seeker's allowance, is available if you have paid enough national insurance contributions. Most recipients will receive a flat rate dependent on age, with those over the age of twenty five getting more than those under twenty five. A second type of job seeker's allowance is called income-based job seeker's allowance and is for those who have had a low income or who have been self employed and may not have paid enough in national insurance contributions. There is also JSA available for 16- and 17-year olds with extenuating circumstances, such as being forced to live away from their parents for some reason, those who are suffering from a severe hardship, or those who are part of a couple who have a child. If you are a young person, you may also qualify for another benefit known as young person's bridging allowance. To find out if you are eligible for either benefit, a local Jobcentre Plus should be able to help you determine your eligibility status.
Other factors may affect how much money you will receive. Most recipients will receive a moderate amount, which can be found out from Jobcentre Plus. If you have a savings account, the amount of money in your savings may affect eligibility or lower your benefit. Having a partner who works twenty-four hours or more weekly can also affect your job seeker's allowance status and can cause you to receive less or nothing. Benefits are paid out every two weeks directly to the recipient's bank account.
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If something happens that would change circumstances of the payment, such as finding employment, going to the hospital, or receiving an inheritance or payment of some sort, then you need to report a change in circumstance. Not reporting a change in circumstance may cause you to lose your benefits, while reporting the circumstance may not necessarily cause you to lose your benefits.
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There are other provisions that a job seeker should be aware of when it comes to job seeker's allowance, including that at six months there may be something called a 'restart interview' that is necessary. Pension and child maintenance can sometimes come into play when it comes to claims for benefits, and getting granted a hardship provision can be possible at any time, even if job seeker's allowance has been denied.
For best results, contact a local Jobcentre Plus office and go from there concerning any claim you may have and they can answer any questions pertaining to your specific case.
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