How to Get a Job Seekers Allowance
The Jobseeker's Allowance is public assistance for people in the United Kingdom who are out of work. To be eligible, you must be able to work, actively seeking work, available for work and not claiming a pension. If you wish to claim Jobseeker's Allowance, you will need to complete an interview either by telephone or by filling out an online application which is then followed up by phone. The interview takes approximately 40 minutes and determines if you are eligible to claim a Jobseeker's Allowance.
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Things You'll Need
- National Insurance number
- Rent or mortgage information
- Employment details for past and present employment
- Details of any income or savings
- Banking details
Instructions
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By Telephone
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1
Telephone Jobcentre Plus on 0800 0 55 66 88, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, to speak to an adviser.
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Answer the adviser's questions. You will be asked to provide your National Insurance Number as well as details of your present and previous employment, rent or mortgage details, and information about any pensions or savings which you may have.
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3
The adviser will discuss your Jobseeker's Agreement with you. This agreement details your availability for work, information on how you will be looking for work, ways to improve your chances of finding a job, and any help and support which might be available to you.
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Provide your banking details to the adviser. Your Jobseeker's Allowance will be deposited directly into your account.
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5
Confirm your claim in person every two weeks if necessary.
Claiming Jobseeker's Allowance Online
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Log on to the Department for Work and Pensions website (see Resources). If you are a first-time claimant, you will need to select "I am a new user" to register.
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Proceed through the questionnaire. As with a telephone interview, you will be asked to provide your National Insurance Number, details of your present and previous employment, rent or mortgage details, and information about any pensions or savings that you may have.
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An adviser will phone you to discuss your application and your Jobseeker's Agreement.
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You will need to verify your claim in person every two weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need to inform Jobcentre about any changes in circumstances that may affect your work.
Failure to renew your claim every two weeks may result in your claim being terminated.
