What is Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)?
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a government benefit designed to help people who are out of work and actively looking for a job. Its main purpose is to provide financial support while you search for new employment, helping to cover essential living costs during this period.
JSA is not a one-size-fits-all benefit – there are different types, each with its own eligibility criteria:
Contribution-based JSA (sometimes called ‘new style’ JSA): This type is available if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the previous two tax years. It is not affected by your savings or most other income, making it suitable for people who have recently worked and contributed to the system.
Income-based JSA: This is for people who have not paid enough National Insurance contributions and is means-tested. Your savings, income, and your partner’s income will be taken into account when assessing your claim. This type of JSA is being replaced by Universal Credit in many areas, but some people may still qualify.
Both forms of JSA require you to be actively seeking work and available to start a job. You must also meet other conditions, such as being over 18 (with some exceptions for 16- and 17-year-olds in special circumstances), living in England, Scotland, or Wales, and not being in full-time education.
Understanding which type of JSA you might qualify for is an important first step. To find out more about how JSA works, including detailed information on the different types, application process, and what to expect, visit the Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) overview. This will help you explore your options and get practical advice tailored to your situation.
Basic Eligibility Criteria for JSA
Basic Eligibility Criteria for JSA
To qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the UK, you must meet several key eligibility criteria. Understanding these rules can help you decide if you’re able to make a claim and what you’ll need to do to maintain your entitlement.
Age Requirements
You must be aged 18 or over to claim JSA. In most cases, there is no upper age limit, but you cannot claim JSA once you reach State Pension age. If you are under 18, you are generally not eligible unless you are in exceptional circumstances, such as being estranged from your parents and not supported by them.
Residency and Presence in the UK
To claim JSA, you must:
Be living in England, Scotland, or Wales
Have the right to reside and be habitually resident in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland
If you have recently come to the UK or spent time abroad, you may need to prove your residency status and show that the UK is your main home.
Work History and National Insurance Contributions
There are two main types of JSA: ‘new style’ (contribution-based) and income-based (legacy benefit, now replaced by Universal Credit for most new claims). For ‘new style’ JSA, you must have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions over the last two full tax years before your claim. This ensures that people who have a recent work history and have contributed to the system can access support.
If you are unsure about your National Insurance record, you can check your contributions through your Personal Tax Account or by contacting HMRC.
Availability and Actively Seeking Work
A fundamental requirement for JSA is that you must be:
Available for work: You should be ready and able to start work immediately if offered a suitable job.
Actively seeking work: You must take reasonable steps each week to find employment. This can include applying for jobs, attending interviews, updating your CV, or signing up with recruitment agencies.
When you apply for JSA, you’ll agree to a ‘Claimant Commitment’ with Jobcentre Plus, which sets out what you’ll do to look for work and the steps you’ll take each week. Failing to meet these commitments, such as not attending appointments or not showing you are actively seeking work, can lead to sanctions or your payments being stopped. The specific rules about sanctions and the role of Jobcentre Plus are set out in the Jobseekers Allowance (Sanctions for Failure to Attend) Regulations 2010.
Additional Points to Consider
You cannot be in full-time education when claiming JSA.
You must not be working more than 16 hours per week. If you have a partner, their income and circumstances may affect your claim for income-based JSA.
If you are already receiving certain benefits, this may impact your eligibility.
Common Questions
What happens if I miss a Jobcentre Plus appointment?
If you do not attend a required appointment or fail to meet your agreed commitments, you could face a sanction, meaning your payments may be reduced or stopped. The Jobseekers Allowance (Sanctions for Failure to Attend) Regulations 2010 explain how these rules are applied.
Can I claim JSA if I’ve never worked?
You may be able to claim income-based JSA (if eligible and not moved to Universal Credit), but ‘new style’ JSA requires a recent work history and sufficient National Insurance contributions.
Do I need to prove I’m looking for work?
Yes, you’ll need to regularly demonstrate to Jobcentre Plus that you are actively seeking work by providing evidence of your job search activities.
Understanding these basic eligibility rules is the first step towards making a successful JSA claim. If you meet these criteria, you can find out more about how to apply and what to expect from the process.
Age Requirements
Age Requirements
To be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in the UK, you must meet certain age requirements. In most cases, you need to be at least 18 years old and below the State Pension age when you make your claim.
Standard Age Criteria
The standard rule is straightforward: JSA is available to adults aged 18 or over who have not yet reached the State Pension age. This upper age limit is important, as you cannot receive JSA once you reach the State Pension age, which is set by law and can change over time. For the latest legal details on how the State Pension age is determined and how it may increase in the future, you can refer to the Pensions Act 2007 – Explanatory Notes.
Exceptions for 16 and 17-Year-Olds
While JSA is generally not available to those under 18, there are some exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds. You may be able to claim JSA if you are in special circumstances, such as:
You have left local authority care.
You are responsible for a child.
You do not have parental support, for example, if you are estranged from your parents or guardians.
These exceptions are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and you will need to provide evidence of your situation to support your claim.
Why Age Criteria Matter
Meeting the age requirements is essential for qualifying for JSA. If you do not meet the minimum age or have reached State Pension age, your application will not be successful. If you are close to the upper age limit, it is important to check the current State Pension age, as it may affect your eligibility.
If you are unsure about whether you meet the age criteria or fall into one of the exceptions, it’s a good idea to seek advice before applying. Understanding these rules can help you avoid delays or rejections when claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Residency and Presence in the UK
Residency and Presence in the UK
To be eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you must be living in the UK and meet specific residency requirements. It’s not enough just to be physically present – you need to show that the UK is your main home and that you plan to stay here for the foreseeable future.
What Does ‘Habitually Resident’ Mean?
One of the key requirements is being ‘habitually resident’ in the UK. This means the UK must be your usual place of living, not just somewhere you are visiting temporarily. You need to show that you have settled here, with the intention to stay for a reasonable period. Factors like where your family lives, whether you have a home here, and your reasons for coming to the UK are all considered.
The rules about being habitually resident are set out in law. For more details, you can refer to the habitually resident regulations, which explain who is considered habitually resident for the purposes of claiming benefits like JSA.
Temporary Absences from the UK
If you leave the UK temporarily, for example to go on holiday or visit family abroad, this can affect your JSA eligibility. Generally, you cannot claim JSA while you are outside the UK, even for a short period. If you are away for more than a few weeks, you may be treated as no longer habitually resident, and your claim could stop. It’s important to inform Jobcentre Plus if you plan to leave the country, even temporarily.
Right to Reside and Work
In addition to being habitually resident, you must also have the right to reside and the right to work in the UK. This means you must be legally allowed to live and work here under UK immigration laws. British citizens, most Irish citizens, and people with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme usually meet this requirement. If you are from outside the UK or Ireland, you may need to provide evidence of your immigration status.
Practical Advice
Make sure you have proof of your address and residency, such as utility bills or a tenancy agreement.
If you have recently moved to the UK, be prepared to explain your reasons for coming and your plans to settle.
Always update Jobcentre Plus if your circumstances change, especially if you plan to travel abroad.
Understanding the residency and presence rules is essential before applying for JSA. If you are unsure about your status, you can find further information in the official habitually resident regulations.
Work History and National Insurance Contributions
Work History and National Insurance Contributions
When applying for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), your work history and National Insurance (NI) contributions play a key role in determining which type of JSA you might be eligible for, and how much you could receive.
Contribution-based JSA
Contribution-based JSA is designed for people who have recently worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions. To qualify, you usually need to have paid (or been credited with) Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the two full tax years before the year you make your claim. The specific requirements are set out in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996.
This type of JSA is not means-tested, meaning your savings and most types of income do not affect your eligibility or the amount you receive. However, certain private or occupational pensions may impact your payments. For more detailed information on how your National Insurance contributions affect your claim, and how pensions are taken into account, you can refer to the official research briefing.
Example:
If you worked full-time for the past two years and paid the required NI contributions, you are likely to qualify for contribution-based JSA, even if you have savings or a partner who works.
Income-based JSA
If you have not paid enough NI contributions, you may still be eligible for income-based JSA. This support is aimed at people with low or no income, and limited savings (usually under £16,000). Your partner’s income and savings are also considered. Unlike contribution-based JSA, your recent work history is less important – what matters most is your current financial situation.
Example:
If you have not worked much recently, or your work was part-time and did not meet the NI contribution threshold, you could still receive income-based JSA if your household income and savings are below the set limits.
How Work History Affects Your Claim
Your work history affects both your eligibility and the amount you can receive. For contribution-based JSA, only recent work that involved paying sufficient NI contributions counts. If you have gaps in employment or periods of low earnings, this might reduce your entitlement or make you ineligible for this type of JSA.
For income-based JSA, the focus shifts to your current financial need, so your work history is less critical, but it may still be relevant if it affects your income or savings.
Practical Advice
Check your NI record: Before applying, it’s helpful to review your National Insurance record to see if you meet the contribution requirements.
Consider your savings and partner’s income: If you don’t qualify for contribution-based JSA, look at your household finances to see if you might be eligible for income-based JSA instead.
Understand the impact of pensions: If you receive a private or occupational pension, it could affect your contribution-based JSA payments. The official briefing provides more details on this.
Understanding these rules can help you work out which type of JSA you might qualify for and what to expect during the application process. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may want to seek advice or use an online benefits calculator.
Availability and Capability to Work
Availability and Capability to Work
To qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you must show that you are both able and available to work. This is a key part of the eligibility rules and is carefully assessed by Jobcentre Plus during your claim.
Able to Work:
You must be physically and mentally capable of taking up paid employment. If you are unwell or have a condition that stops you from working, you may not meet this requirement. If you have a temporary illness or injury, you should let Jobcentre Plus know as it could affect your claim.
Available to Work:
Being available means you must be ready and willing to start work immediately, usually within 48 hours. You cannot restrict the type of work you are willing to do or the hours you can work without a good reason. For example, if you say you can only work a few hours a week without a valid reason, your claim might be affected.
Actively Seeking Work:
You are expected to take genuine steps each week to find a job. This includes activities such as searching for vacancies, making job applications, attending interviews, and improving your CV. You will usually agree a ‘Claimant Commitment’ with Jobcentre Plus, which lists the actions you must take to show you are actively seeking work.
Willingness to Accept Suitable Job Offers:
You must be prepared to accept any job that is suitable for you, considering your skills, experience, and personal circumstances. Refusing a reasonable job offer without a good reason can lead to your JSA payments being stopped or reduced.
How Jobcentre Plus Assesses This:
Jobcentre Plus will regularly review your availability and capability to work. This is done through scheduled interviews, where you’ll be asked about your job search activities and any changes in your circumstances. These interviews are a legal requirement under The Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2002. During these sessions, you may be asked to provide evidence of your job search, discuss any barriers to work, and update your Claimant Commitment.
If you miss interviews or fail to show you are actively seeking and available for work, your JSA could be affected. It’s important to attend all appointments and keep records of your job search activities.
Practical Tips:
Keep a diary of all job applications, interviews, and contacts with employers.
Be honest with Jobcentre Plus about any restrictions you have, but remember that unreasonable limits may affect your claim.
If your circumstances change (for example, you become unwell or need to care for someone), inform Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible.
By meeting these requirements, you demonstrate your commitment to finding work and help ensure your JSA claim continues smoothly. For more details on how interviews and assessments are carried out, you can read the official guidance in the Jobcentre Plus regulations.
Additional Eligibility Considerations
Additional Eligibility Considerations
While age, residency, and work history are the main criteria for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), there are other important factors that can affect your eligibility or the type of JSA you can claim. Understanding how your circumstances – such as being in education, self-employed, or unable to work due to illness or disability – can impact your claim is essential before you apply.
Education Status
Generally, you cannot claim JSA if you are in full-time education. This includes most university courses and further education programmes. The rules are set out in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996. Full-time education is usually defined as more than 16 guided learning hours per week.
Exceptions:
If you are under 20 and have left a full-time course, you may be able to claim JSA until you start work or another course, but only in limited circumstances.
Part-time students may be eligible if they can show they are available for, and actively seeking, full-time work.
If you are unsure whether your course counts as full-time or part-time, check the number of hours and the course structure. You will need to prove to the Jobcentre that your studies do not prevent you from looking for and accepting work.
Self-Employment
Jobseeker’s Allowance is generally intended for people who are not working, or working less than 16 hours per week. If you are self-employed, your eligibility depends on how much you are working and earning.
If you are working less than 16 hours per week on average and your income is low, you may be able to claim JSA.
If you have recently stopped being self-employed, you can apply for JSA as long as you meet the other eligibility rules and can show you are available for and actively seeking work.
You will need to provide evidence of your self-employment status, such as accounts, tax returns, or details of your business activities. The Jobcentre will assess whether your self-employment counts as "gainful employment" and whether you are genuinely available to take up other work.
Illness or Disability
JSA is for people who are fit for work. If you are ill or have a disability that limits your ability to work, you might not be eligible for JSA. Instead, you may need to apply for other benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
Short-term illness:
If you are temporarily unwell (for example, with a cold or flu), you can usually remain on JSA for up to two weeks, provided you inform the Jobcentre and are expected to recover quickly.
Long-term illness or disability:
If your health condition or disability means you cannot work or look for work, you should not claim JSA. The law (Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992) requires JSA claimants to be capable of work and available for work.
Reasonable adjustments:
If you have a disability but are capable of work, the Jobcentre may make reasonable adjustments to help you meet your job-seeking requirements. This can include more flexible job search activities or additional support.
Other Circumstances
Caring responsibilities: If you are a carer for someone with a disability, this may affect your availability for work and JSA eligibility.
Receiving other benefits: Some benefits, such as Statutory Sick Pay, can affect your entitlement to JSA.
Practical Advice
Before making a claim, consider how your personal circumstances fit with the eligibility rules. If you are in education, self-employed, or have health issues, gather any relevant documents (such as course timetables, business records, or medical evidence) to support your application. If you are unsure which benefit is right for you, speaking to a Jobcentre adviser can help clarify your options.
Remember, providing accurate and complete information about your situation will help prevent delays or problems with your claim. If your circumstances change while you are claiming JSA, you must inform the Jobcentre immediately, as this could affect your entitlement.
Students and Education
Students and Education
If you are a student, your eligibility for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) depends on the type of course you are studying and your personal circumstances.
Full-Time Students
In most cases, full-time students cannot claim JSA. This rule applies regardless of whether you are at university, college, or another educational institution. The main reason is that full-time study is generally considered incompatible with being available for, and actively seeking, work – the two key requirements for JSA under the Jobseekers Act 1995.
Exceptions for Certain Students
There are some exceptions where students may be able to claim JSA:
Part-Time Students: If you are studying part-time, you may be eligible to claim JSA as long as you can show that you are available for and actively seeking work. You will need to prove to Jobcentre Plus that your course does not prevent you from looking for and taking up work.
Students with Children: If you are a lone parent responsible for a child, you may be able to claim JSA during the summer holiday if you are not receiving student support (such as a maintenance loan or grant) at that time. This is a limited exception and depends on your specific circumstances.
Students with Disabilities: If you receive certain disability benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may be able to claim JSA if you meet the other eligibility criteria. Each case is assessed individually, and you will need to show that you are available for work despite your studies.
Practical Advice
If you are a student and unsure about your eligibility, it is important to consider the following:
Check Your Course Hours: The government usually defines full-time study as more than 16 hours per week. If your course is fewer hours, you may be considered a part-time student for benefit purposes.
Be Honest About Your Availability: You must be able to attend interviews and start work immediately to qualify for JSA. If your studies restrict this, your claim is likely to be refused.
Provide Evidence: Be prepared to provide details of your course, timetable, and any caring responsibilities or disabilities that may affect your eligibility.
Alternative Benefits
If you are not eligible for JSA because you are a full-time student, you may be able to claim other types of financial support. For example, students with children or disabilities might qualify for Universal Credit or other benefits designed to help with living costs. Student loans, grants, and bursaries are also available to help with education expenses.
If you are in doubt, seek advice before making a claim to avoid delays or refusals. Understanding your options can help you find the right support while you study.
Self-Employment and Other Income
Self-Employment and Other Income
If you are self-employed and want to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), there are some important differences in how your claim is assessed compared to those who are employed. The type of JSA you apply for – either ‘new style’ JSA or income-based JSA – also affects how your income and savings are considered.
Self-Employment and JSA
Self-employed people can claim ‘new style’ JSA if they meet the National Insurance contribution requirements (usually having paid enough Class 1 National Insurance in the last two full tax years). However, you must also be actively seeking work and available to work, which means you cannot be running your business full-time while claiming JSA. If you continue to work on a self-employed basis, you’ll need to show that your business activities are minimal and that you are genuinely looking for other work.
For income-based JSA (which is now replaced by Universal Credit for most new claims), your self-employed earnings are taken into account when calculating your entitlement. This means that any profit you make from self-employment may reduce the amount of JSA you can receive. You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your income, such as recent accounts, invoices, or bank statements.
Other Income and Savings
JSA is a means-tested benefit (except for ‘new style’ JSA, which is based on National Insurance contributions). This means that other types of income – such as earnings from part-time work, pensions, or rental income – can affect how much JSA you get, or whether you are eligible at all. For instance:
If you or your partner have savings over £16,000, you will not qualify for income-based JSA.
Savings between £6,000 and £16,000 will reduce your JSA payment.
Any income from work (including self-employment) above a certain threshold will also reduce your JSA.
The rules are set out in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 and the Social Security (Income and Capital) Regulations 2009.
Reporting Your Income
It is essential to report all forms of income accurately when applying for JSA. This includes money earned from self-employment, part-time jobs, pensions, and any other regular payments. Failing to disclose all your income can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back, or even accusations of benefit fraud.
If your income changes while you are receiving JSA – for example, if you start earning more from self-employment or receive a new source of income – you must inform the Jobcentre Plus immediately. This helps ensure you continue to receive the correct amount and avoid any issues with your claim.
Practical Advice
Keep clear records of all your earnings and savings.
Be prepared to provide evidence, such as bank statements or business accounts, when requested.
If you are unsure how your income affects your claim, seek advice before applying.
Understanding how self-employment and other income impact your eligibility for JSA can help you avoid problems and ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.
Health Conditions and Disabilities
Health Conditions and Disabilities
If you are unable to work because of illness or a disability, you may not qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). JSA is designed for people who are actively looking for work and able to take up a job if offered. One of the key eligibility requirements for JSA is that you must be “available for work” and “actively seeking work.” If your health condition or disability prevents you from meeting these requirements, you are unlikely to be eligible for JSA.
Alternative Support: Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you cannot work due to your health, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) instead. ESA is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work because of illness or disability. It provides financial support if you are unable to work, and personalised help so that you can work if you are able to.
To qualify for ESA, you will usually need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment, which determines whether your health condition or disability limits your ability to work. The legal framework for ESA is set out in The Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013, which explains the eligibility rules and how claims are assessed.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are considering applying for JSA but have a health condition or disability, think carefully about whether you meet the requirements for being available and actively seeking work. If you are unsure, you may wish to explore ESA as an alternative. You can read more about the rules and your rights in the official Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) regulations.
If your circumstances change – for example, if your health improves and you become able to work – you can revisit your eligibility for JSA in the future. For now, focusing on the right benefit for your situation will help ensure you get the support you need.
What to Do If You Are Eligible
Once you’ve checked that you meet the eligibility criteria for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), it’s important to take action as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays in receiving support. Here’s what you should do next:
1. Gather the Necessary Documents and Information
Before you start your application, make sure you have all the required documents ready. This typically includes your National Insurance number, proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence), details of your previous employment, and information about your income, savings, and any benefits you currently receive. Having these details to hand will make the process smoother and help prevent hold-ups.
2. Apply Promptly
JSA claims are usually processed from the date you submit your application, not from the date you became eligible. To ensure you receive the maximum support you’re entitled to, it’s best to apply as soon as you confirm your eligibility. Waiting too long could mean you miss out on payments for the period before you applied.
3. Understand the Application Steps
If you’re unsure about how to apply, or what the process involves, you can find step-by-step guidance in our detailed overview of the application process for JSA. This resource explains how to complete your application, what to expect after you submit it, and how to prepare for your interview at the Jobcentre Plus.
4. Be Ready for Follow-Up
After you apply, you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information. Responding quickly to any requests from the Jobcentre Plus will help keep your claim on track. If you’re asked to sign a ‘Claimant Commitment’, make sure you understand and agree to the conditions, as this is a key part of staying eligible for JSA.
5. Keep Good Records
It’s a good idea to keep copies of any forms you submit and notes of any communication with the Jobcentre Plus. This can be helpful if there are any questions about your claim or if you need to appeal a decision later on.
Taking these steps promptly and carefully can make the process of claiming JSA much smoother. If you have further questions about what happens after applying, or if you need help with your claim, be sure to explore our related guides for more support.
If Your JSA Claim is Denied
If your claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is denied, it can be disappointing and confusing. There are several possible reasons why your application might be refused. Common reasons include not meeting the basic eligibility rules, such as being outside the qualifying age range, not having the right to reside in the UK, or not having made enough National Insurance contributions if you’re applying for contribution-based JSA. Sometimes claims are denied if you haven’t followed the Jobcentre’s requirements, like attending scheduled appointments or actively seeking work.
When you receive a decision letter about your JSA claim, it’s important to read it carefully. The letter should explain why your claim was denied and outline any evidence or information that influenced the decision. Double-check the details for any mistakes or misunderstandings. For example, if the decision is based on missing an appointment, but you had a valid reason – such as illness supported by a doctor’s note – make sure this was considered.
If you believe the decision is wrong, you have the right to appeal. You should start by asking the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a ‘mandatory reconsideration’. This means they will look at your claim again and review any new information you provide. If the decision doesn’t change after reconsideration, you can then take your appeal to an independent tribunal, where your case will be heard by someone who isn’t connected to the DWP.
For a step-by-step guide on how to challenge a decision, what evidence you might need, and what to expect from the process, visit our detailed page on the JSA appeals process. This resource explains your rights and gives practical advice on preparing your case, including what to do if you think you were paid the wrong amount or if you had a valid reason for missing an appointment.
Remember, you don’t have to face the process alone. Taking the time to understand the decision letter, knowing your rights, and following the correct appeal steps can make a real difference to your case.
Other Support You May Be Eligible For
If you’re applying for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), you might also be entitled to other forms of financial help while you’re out of work. Understanding what additional support is available can make a real difference to your circumstances.
Financial Help Beyond JSA
JSA is designed to help cover your basic living costs while you look for work, but it’s not the only support you may be eligible for. Many people who qualify for JSA also meet the criteria for other benefits and schemes. For example, you might be able to get help with your rent or council tax, support with health costs, or extra assistance if you have children or a disability.
Housing Support
If you’re worried about paying your rent or need assistance with housing costs, you may be able to claim extra support alongside your JSA. This could include Housing Benefit or help through your local council if you’re on a low income. To find out more about what’s available and how to apply, see our section on help with housing.
Other Benefits and Support
Depending on your personal situation, you might also qualify for:
Council Tax Reduction: Many local councils offer reduced council tax for people on JSA or low incomes.
Free or discounted prescriptions and health costs: If you’re on income-based JSA, you may get help with NHS costs.
Support for families: If you have children, you could be eligible for Child Benefit or extra support through Universal Credit.
Budgeting loans: If you’ve been on certain benefits for at least six months, you may be able to apply for an interest-free loan to help with essential expenses.
Making the Most of Available Support
It’s important to check all your options, as you might be missing out on extra help you’re entitled to. Eligibility for these benefits often depends on your income, savings, and household circumstances, so it’s worth reviewing your situation regularly – especially if anything changes.
If you’re unsure what you can claim, or if you need help with an application, local advice centres and job centres can provide guidance. Exploring all available support can help ease financial pressure while you search for work, so don’t hesitate to find out what you could receive.
