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Jobseekers’ and part time workers’ benefits

Financial support available to those looking for work, or working part time

Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)

JSA is for people of working age who are out of work or work fewer than 16 hours a week on average.

Means tested Jobseekers Allowance has been replaced by Universal Credit for claimants.

Find out more on our Universal Credit page.

For more information see Jobseekers Allowance on GOV.UK (opens in a new window)

For more information about finding employment, you can also visit your local CAP club

Sanctions

If you're entitled to JSA or Universal Credit, you'll be given a list of conditions you must keep to. If the Jobcentre decide you haven't met the conditions of your jobseeker’s agreement, you may be sanctioned.

This means your Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit won’t be paid for a period of time.

If your benefit is sanctioned, you may be eligible for a hardship payment.

For further information see Jobseekers Allowance on GOV.UK (opens in a new window) or sanctions on GOV.UK (opens in a new window)

Income Support

Most people won’t be able to make a new claim for Income Support and will need to claim Universal Credit instead.

If you already receive Income Support you will carry on getting it, but if your circumstances change you might have to claim Universal Credit instead.

Other benefits

You may also be entitled to: