There are 3 different types of Jobseeker’s Allowance ( JSA ):

‘new style’ JSA

contribution-based JSA

income-based JSA

Which types you can get depends on your circumstances.

You can only apply for contribution-based and income-based JSA if you either:

get the severe disability premium, or are entitled to it

got or were entitled to the severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it

If you cannot work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You can claim JSA if you cannot work but you’re still getting paid by your employer (‘on furlough’) or through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Both the following must also apply:

you usually work less than 16 hours a week

you meet the other eligibility requirements for JSA

‘New style’ JSA

To be eligible for ‘new style’ JSA you’ll need to have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years. National Insurance credits can also count.

You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker.

You’ll also need to:

be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)

be under the State Pension age

not be in full-time education

be available for work

not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average

not have an illness or disability which stops you from working

live in England, Scotland or Wales

have the right to work in the UK

You’ll also need to take reasonable steps to look for work. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

Your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.

You can get ‘new style’ JSA for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.

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 .

Contribution-based JSA

You can only apply for contribution-based JSA if you either:

get the severe disability premium, or are entitled to it

got or were entitled to the severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it

To be eligible you will also need to have worked as an employee and paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years. National Insurance credits can also count.

You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker.

You’ll also need to:

be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)

be under the State Pension age

not be in full-time education

be available to work

not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average

not have an illness or disability which stops you from working

live in England, Scotland or Wales

have the right to work in the UK

You’ll also need to take reasonable steps to look for work. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

Your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.

You can get contribution-based JSA for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.

Income-based JSA

Your employment in the last 2 to 3 years does not affect your eligibility.

You can only apply if you either:

get the severe disability premium, or are entitled to it

got or were entitled to the severe disability premium within the last month and are still eligible for it

You’ll also need to:

be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)

be under the State Pension age

not be in full-time education

be in England, Scotland or Wales

be available for work

not be working or be working on average less than 16 hours per week

not have an illness or disability which stops you from working

be single, or have a partner who works for less than 24 hours a week on average

have £16,000 or less in savings (including your partner’s savings)

You’ll also need to take reasonable steps to look for work. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.