What benefits can I claim if I’ve lost my job?
If you’ve lost your job, you could be entitled to claim New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), although you’ll need to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
Who can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance?
You could claim New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance if you:
- Are over the age of 18, but under State Pension age;
- Are a UK resident;
- Do not work more than 16 hours a week;
- Have previously worked as an employee; and
- Have made Class 1 National Insurance contributions, or National Insurance credits, in the last 2 to 3 years.
Can I claim Jobseeker’s Allowance if I quit my job?
When you apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, you’ll need to provide a reason for leaving your last employment; for example, you took voluntary redundancy, were being paid below minimum wage, or your working environment was unsafe.
If your reason for leaving isn’t satisfactory, you could face a delay before receiving your first benefit payment. This is known as a ‘sanction’ and could last for up to 13 weeks.
Can I claim Jobseeker's Allowance if I was sacked?
You could still claim Jobseeker’s Allowance even if you were sacked from your job, although the reasons behind your dismissal might delay the payment of any benefits that you are eligible for.
How to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance online. If you cannot or would prefer not to apply online, you can contact Jobcentre Plus. If you live in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to contact the Jobseeker’s Allowance Processing Centre.
When you apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, you’ll need to provide:
- Your employment details from the last 6 months, including your dates of employment and employer’s contact details;
- Your National Insurance number; and
- Your bank or building society account details.
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you within 14 days. You’ll either be invited to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus or, if your claim has been unsuccessful, you will receive a letter explaining why.
What to take to a Jobseeker’s Allowance interview
You will need to take the following to your Jobseeker’s Allowance interview:
- A form of photographic identity, such as your driving licence or passport;
- Proof of address;
- One other form of identity, such as a P60; and
- The P45 from your last employer. Please note that your P45 can be used as your third form of identity.
You can find a full list of accepted forms of identity here.
What happens at a Jobseeker’s Allowance interview?
At your interview, you will meet with a work coach.
Your work coach will discuss your commitment to actively seeking work. This is called a Claimant Commitment and could include writing a new CV and registering with recruitment agencies.
If you do not keep to the agreements made in your Claimant Commitment, your Jobseeker’s Allowance could be reduced or stopped.
After your interview, the DWP will contact you to let you know whether you’ve been accepted. If you have been accepted for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, you’ll be told how much money you will get.
How much money could I get with Jobseeker’s Allowance?
The maximum weekly amount that you could get through the New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance is £72.90 for anyone up to the age of 24, and £92.05 per week for those aged 25 or over.
You could be paid less if you earn income through part-time work or a personal/ occupational pension.
How often is Jobseeker’s Allowance paid?
Jobseeker’s Allowance is usually paid every two weeks, and the money will typically be sent directly to your bank or building society account.
How long can I claim Jobseeker’s Allowance?
You can claim Jobseeker's Allowance for up to 182 days, which roughly works out at around six months. During this time, you’ll need to prove that you’re actively searching for and trying to obtain work. You will be expected to attend appointments with your work coach every few weeks to discuss this, and you could be asked to provide evidence of any applications and interviews.
If you don’t stick to your agreement to look for work - for example, you fail to attend an interview or miss an appointment with your work coach - your Jobseeker’s Allowance payments could be reduced or stopped.
Can you still claim income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance?
No, it’s no longer possible to claim income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. This has now been replaced by Universal Credit.
Can I claim Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit at the same time?
Yes, you can claim New Style Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit at the same time.
Are there any other out-of-work benefits?
Universal Credit is available to eligible people who are out of work.
Universal Credit is a type of benefit designed to provide help with living costs for those on a low income.
Can I get Universal Credit if I don’t work?
You could get Universal Credit, even if you’re unemployed.
To be considered for Universal Credit, you must:
- Be over the age of 18, although there may be some exceptions if you’re aged between 16 – 17;
- Be under State Pension age;
- Live in the UK; and
- Have less than £16,000 in money, savings, and investments.
How much Universal Credit could I get if I don’t work?
Universal Credit is paid once a month.
Those eligible for Universal Credit will receive a standard allowance, based on their age and whether they’re single or living with a partner.
| Circumstances | Monthly standard allowance |
|---|---|
| You’re single and under the age of 25 | £316.98 |
| You’re single and aged 25 or over | £400.14 |
| You live with your partner and you’re both under 25 | £497.55 for you both |
| You live with your partner and either one of you are aged 25 or over. | £628.10 for you both |
You could get additional money on top of your monthly standard allowance if you have children or housing costs.
If you’re in receipt of income from work (including part-time income), or if you have more than £6,000 in savings and investments, you’ll receive less Universal Credit.
You can find out about Universal Credit and how much you could get here.
I’m out of work; where can I apply for Universal Credit?
You can apply for Universal Credit through the Gov.uk website.
Check your benefits entitlement
Even if you don’t think you’re eligible to receive benefits, it’s worth checking. You can do this via the free Turn2Us benefits calculator.
What to do if you’ve lost your job and can’t afford your mortgage
If your financial circumstances have changed and you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, you should contact your lender as soon as you can.
Lenders are trained to deal with a range of situations and will be able to discuss any options that could be available to help you.
Can I get a loan if I’m out of work?
You could find it difficult to get a loan if you’re not working.
When you apply for a loan, the lender will want to make sure that you have enough income to enable you to make your monthly repayments.
It’s important to remember that income doesn’t always have to solely consist of a wage; some lenders count certain benefits as a form of income and could be willing to consider your application for an out-of-work loan.
Before you consider applying for a loan for people out of work, you should seriously think about how you’re going to fulfil your repayments, and the impact this could have on your finances.
You can find out more about loans for unemployed people in our guide.
Worried about money and debt?
You can access free, confidential financial advice through StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.
