How Much Is Job Seekers Allowance In UK

In the UK, a jobseeker's allowance is a benefit offered to unemployed individuals who are actively looking for a job. People who are eligible to claim this benefit are those 18 years old and above but below the State Pension age. They must also work less than 16 hours weekly on average. The jobseeker's allowance is paid every 14 days and the amount of this benefit varies due to several factors. This article will discuss how much the jobseeker's allowance currently is (end of 2011).

Typical Jobseeker’s Allowance

For contribution-based jobseeker's allowance, the maximum weekly rates start from £53.45 to £67.50.

For income-based jobseeker's allowance, the maximum weekly rates start from £53.45 to £105.95.

Here is the list of the weekly maximum jobseeker’s allowance an individual can be entitled to as published in Direct.gov.uk:

Factors That Affect The Height Of A Jobseeker’s Allowance

Type. There are basically two types of jobseeker's allowance in UK. One is contribution-based, which pays applicants that have paid enough National Insurance Contributions. The other type is the income-based jobseeker's allowance, which qualifies people who have not paid enough National Insurance contribution, paid only self-employed contributions, and those who have low incomes. For some people, there are higher chances to get a higher rate in an income-based allowance as compared to its counterpart.

Age. The jobseeker's allowance can also be calculated depending on the age of the individual. Usually, older people get more. For instance, in a contribution-based allowance, people aged 16 to 24 get a maximum weekly rate of £53.45 while people aged 25 and above can get as much as £67.50.

Status. The status of the person can also affect how much a jobseeker's allowance is. Say for example the income-based allowance. Single people aging 25 below can get £53.45 weekly while couples can get £105.95.

Costs Associated with Getting JSK

Claiming a jobseeker’s allowance does not end in just getting the support. You have to attend interviews at the Job Centre as well as regular job search reviews. This can cost you travel and formal clothing expenses. However, in most cases, expenses that are related to getting back to work quickly can be covered by the allowance.

Photo by rutty

Tips Before You Apply For A Jobseeker’s Allowance

Make sure you are eligible to get a jobseeker's allowance. Eligibility requirements include age of 18 and above but below State Pension age, capability and availability to actively seek work, working hours of less than 16 hours weekly on average, and Great Britain residence. If you are eligible, you can apply through Direct.gov.uk. If you live in Northern Ireland, you have to apply at NIDirect.gov.uk.

Get the help of a specialist from the Job Centre Plus in your area to determine whether or not you will be eligible for the allowance by discussing your work history, reason of unemployment, and attempts for re-employment. Usually, a specialist can also help you determine whether you will be eligible for contribution-based allowance or the income-based one.

Make sure you know the rules in line with getting the benefit. For instance, you have to be ready to gain employment within 182 days because this is the maximum period covered by the benefit disbursement. Moreover, you must learn about instances when the allowance may be stopped such as missing a restart interview, leaving work voluntarily, refusing a job vacancy, and refusing to attend compulsory scheme.

Be one hundred percent driven about finding a job soon. The jobseeker’s allowance is a limited benefit and must be used wisely to cover daily expenses while unemployed.