Contributory Job Seekers Allowance

If you are not ill and are not self-isolating but have been made redundant due to Covid-19, you may be eligible for contributory Jobseekers Allowance (sometimes called “new-style” JSA). You will need to have paid sufficient National Insurance (N.I.) contributions in the preceding two years.

In order to qualify, you will need to have paid sufficient National Insurance (N.I.) contributions in the financial years 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 and 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. During this period you will have needed to have worked and paid Class 1 or Class 2 contributions in one of the years AND have paid, or been credited, 50 weeks worth of contributions over the two years.

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) is usually paid at the rate of £73.10/week.

You can receive contributory JSA even if you have a partner who is working or if you have savings over £16,000.

If you think you may be eligible you should claim as soon as possible as your award will date from the day of claim. Depending on your household income, you may be able to receive Universal Credit and Rate Rebate in addition to JSA.

More information here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-benefits.