Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work. If you are out of work or working less than 16 hours a week on average, you may be entitled to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Contribution-based JSA
Weekly rates are calculated according to your age:
Your payments may be reduced if you're getting a pension.
Income-based JSA
The maximum weekly rates are as follows:
Your payments may be reduced if you receive income from part-time employment. You will receive less if you have savings over £6,000. If you have savings over £16,000 you may not qualify to receive JSA at all. Your payments might also be reduced if you receive an occupational or personal pension.
For more information about Jobseeker’s Allowance, click here.
To claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, call 0800 055 6688 (8.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday to Friday), or claim online here.
Working Tax Credit (WTC) is a payment for people who are working and on a low income. You can get WTC if you are employed or self-employed (single or in a partnership), and if you:
and if you are:
Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. For couples, if both of you are working 16 hours or more a week, you must choose which one of you will receive it. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working.
The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income.
For more information about Working Tax Credit, click here.
To apply for Working Tax Credit, call the tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 to request an application pack. The application form for your first claim is Form TC600. Make sure you have your National Insurance Number to hand, as you will be required to provide this as proof of identity. If English is not your first language, you can request to be transferred to a bi-lingual adviser by stating the language of your preference.