If you are unemployed, you can claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) to help you look for work. There are two types of JSA – contribution-based JSA and income based JSA. The jobcentre will work out which one you are entitled to. If you have made enough national insurance contributions, you could qualify for contribution-based JSA. If you have not, then you could qualify for Income-based JSA. But this is affected by your savings and your income. After October 2013, if you apply for income based Jobseeker's Allowance, you will receive the Universal Credit.
You can claim Jobseeker's Allowance if you:
Depending on your age, you will receive at least £57.35 a week.
You cannot usually claim contribution-based JSA if you are self-employed. You must have paid enough Class 1 National Insurance to claim this benefit, and self-employed people pay Class 2 or 4 contributions. You could receive income-based JSA, tax credits or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) instead.
You can claim JSA while studying part-time if you are able to work as well as study, or are willing to stop studying should you find a job.
You can claim by starting a new Jobseeker's Allowance application online or contacting Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.
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