Jobseeker's Allowance

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a United Kingdom benefit. It is a form of unemployment benefit paid by the government to people who are unemployed and seeking work. It is part of the social security benefits system and is intended to cover living expenses while the claimant is out of work. It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in England, Wales, and Scotland, and in Northern Ireland by the Social Security Agency - an executive agency of the Department for Social Development. It is a working age benefit, and is available only to those aged 18 to the State Pension age. There are two forms of Jobseeker's Allowance, contribution-based and income-based. Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker's Allowance and other benefits for 500,000 new claimants commencing in October 2013, and eventually will entirely replace income based Jobseeker's Allowance.

To be eligible for JSA the claimant must prove that they are actively seeking work. This is done by filling in a Jobseeker's Agreement form and attending a New Jobseeker interview (NJI). They must also present themselves at their local Job Centre every two weeks thereafter to "sign on". Claims for Jobseeker's Allowance are maintained by the Jobseeker's Allowance Payment System (JSAPS).

Outside the United Kingdom, similar payments are made in the Republic of Ireland and in Australia. Ireland has its own version of Jobseeker's Allowance. Australia has implemented similar unemployment/welfare policies.