Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Before you apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), check if you’re eligible.

To apply, you’ll 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’ll also need to provide a statement letter if you receive any money from:

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.

You cannot apply online if you’re under 18 or if you’re applying as an appointee on someone else’s behalf.

You can apply another way if any of the following apply:

you’re aged 16 to 17
you’re applying as an appointee on someone else’s 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
contact the Jobseeker’s Allowance Processing Centre if you live in Northern Ireland

If you gave your mobile number or email address in your online application, you’ll get a text or email to confirm it’s been submitted.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will then contact you within 14 days of applying. You’ll either:

You do not need to contact DWP unless it has been more than 14 days since you applied and you have not heard anything.

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

You can complain about Jobcentre Plus if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.