How to Apply for Job Seekers Allowance

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.

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In the UK, the Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) provides you with a little money to help pay your bills while you're looking for work. If you qualify, you could get up to £73.10 a week while you're looking for work. [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source The reason you lost your previous job doesn't affect your eligibility for this benefit. Generally, you'll apply at your nearest Jobcentre Plus. [2] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Part 1 of 3:

Making Your Claim

How much of a benefit you'll get depends on your age and circumstances. For example, if you are single and under the age of 25, you can expect a standard allowance of £251.77. You may also be entitled to extra amounts on top of that, such as if you have a disability or if you have children. [4] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
To start the process of a Universal Credit claim, go to https://www.universal-credit.service.gov.uk/postcode-checker and enter your postcode to set up an online account.

Previous employment in the last 2 or 3 years through which you paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions
Aged 18 or older, but under state pension age
Live in England, Scotland, or Wales, and have the right to work in the UK
Not have an illness or disability that keeps you from working
Able and available to work full-time
Not currently working or working less than 16 hours a week

You'll need your bank account number and sort code. If you don't have a bank account, you'll have to open one before you can get JSA payments.
Write down your different sources of income, such as work or other benefits, separately.
If you've had more than one employer in the past 6 months, you'll need information for all of them, including contact information for the employer and the dates you worked there.

Tip: If you're making a joint claim with your partner, you'll need all of this information for both of you.

You can save your application as you go and return to it later. However, it's in your best interest to get your application completed and in as soon as possible after you lose your job.

To find the nearest Jobcentre Plus, go to https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/ and enter your full postcode.

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Completing Your Interview

The coach will give you a list of documents that you'll need to bring with you to your interview.
Plan at least an hour for your interview, longer if you have further to travel to the JobCentre Plus. While it may not take that long, you don't want to miss another appointment or feel as though you are rushed.

Birth certificate (date of birth)
Marriage certificate (date of birth)
NHS medical card (date of birth)
Utility bill (address)
Bank statement (address)
Council Tax bill (address)

Dress the same way you would if you were going to a job interview. If you have experience in several industries, dress for the job you currently want.

Be open and honest with your coach. If they say anything you don't agree with, speak up and let them know what you don't like or agree with. For example, you might say "I know I have experience in food service, but there's a reason I haven't gone back to that work in 7 years."

Read your claimant commitment over carefully. If there's something you don't understand, ask your coach to clarify. Don't sign it until you're sure you understand everything. You don't want to risk losing your JSA over a misunderstanding.

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Maintaining Your Eligibility

For example, if you turned down a job that was considered suitable employment for you, typically, you would be "sanctioned." You may lose JSA benefits for a few weeks.
If something you previously committed to is more difficult to complete than you thought it would be, let your coach know about it as soon as possible. They can help you figure out how to make things work so you don't lose your JSA.

Tip: You may be excused from fulfilling a particular commitment if you have a good reason, such as a death in the family. Tell your coach as soon as possible and give them proof of the reason.

It can also help to include a follow-up date if you don't hear from employers. This shows your coach that you're persistent and may also help get you more interviews. Call the employer 3 business days after you submitted your application if you haven't heard from them yet.

Your coach may also ask you questions about how you feel your job search is going, or if you have any concerns about any aspect of the process.

Step 4 Report changes in your life circumstances immediately." width="460" height="345" />

Starting or stopping a job or training program
An increase or decrease in other benefits you receive
An increase or decrease in the number of people in your household
Illness or disability

Expert Q&A

What are some tips on how to follow up with a company after a career fair? Jonathan Soormaghen
Career Coach

Jonathan Soormaghen is a Career Coach and Founder of Resume Advisor, a career counseling firm that specializes in creating personalized products such as resumes, CVs, cover letters, and online branding tools to propel clients toward their next career milestone. Jonathan holds a BA in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was honored to serve as the Valedictory speaker of general commencement. Prior to founding Resume Advisor, he worked in management consulting and finance at companies including Accenture, Target, and Ernst & Young. Jonathan's clients have landed job offers from leading firms including Netflix, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Uber, Deloitte, KMPG, Accenture, and Merrill Lynch.

Career Coach Expert Answer

Prepare an email template that allows you to personalize and plug & play with company names and stakeholders. You need to be efficient in your job search, so use your time wisely. Here is an example: Dear John Smith, It was a pleasure meeting you at the XXXXX job fair on (date). Attached is a copy of my resume - I would appreciate any feedback you have regarding a potential fit with your company.

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What are the most important aspects of a letter of intent and do you have any tips on how to make your letter of intent stand out?

Jonathan Soormaghen
Career Coach

Career Coach Expert Answer

The key with a cover letter/letter of intent is to convey why you are the perfect candidate for the role you are applying for. Additionally, try to include a personal example that conveys your personality and gives a glimpse to the reader on who you are. Use specific examples for each letter - make sure to switch it up!