Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Before you apply for New Style Jobseeker鈥檚 Allowance (JSA), check if you鈥檙e eligible.
To apply, you鈥檒l need your:
- National Insurance number
- bank or building society account details (or those of a family member or trusted friend)
- employment details for the past 6 months, including employer contact details and dates you worked with them
You鈥檒l also need to provide a statement letter if you receive any money from:
- your private pension
- your workplace pension
- an annuity you鈥檝e bought
To reclaim you need to apply again, even if your details have not changed.
You can backdate your claim by up to 3 months in certain circumstances.
Apply online
You cannot apply online if you鈥檙e under 18 or if you鈥檙e applying as an appointee on someone else鈥檚 behalf.
If you cannot apply online or need alternative formats
You can apply another way if any of the following apply:
- you鈥檙e aged 16 to 17
- you鈥檙e applying as an appointee on someone else鈥檚 behalf
- you need help applying
- you need communications to be sent to you in an alternative format, such as braille, large print or audio CD
You need to either:
- contact Jobcentre Plus if you live in England, Scotland or Wales
- if you live in Northern Ireland
After you make your claim
If you gave your mobile number or email address in your online application, you鈥檒l get a text or email to confirm it鈥檚 been submitted.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will then contact you within 14 days of applying. You鈥檒l either:
- be invited to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office
- receive a letter to explain why you鈥檙e not eligible for JSA
You do not need to contact DWP unless it has been more than 14 days since you applied and you have not heard anything.
If you disagree with a decision
You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.
Make a complaint
You can complain about Jobcentre Plus if you鈥檙e unhappy with the service you鈥檝e received.