Job Seekers Allowance or JSA is a United Kingdom benefit for the unemployed who are seeking employment. This benefit is a part of the social service paid by the government. The aim of this benefit is to provide those who are unemployed and are seeking employment, with a financial support.

This programme was created to help those who are unemployed but are willing to work. The financial support is enough to help the claimant to land on his or her new job.

How to Get on It

To be eligible to the programme, the claimant must prove that they are actively seeking for employment. The claimant should file a Jobseekers Agreement form and attend a New Jobseeker interview. They should also appear in their local Job Centre every two weeks thereafter to check in.

You also have to meet several conditions which include showing that you are really looking for employment. For those who are incapable of getting work can also get some benefits rather than the Jobseekers Allowance for as long as you are qualified under the benefit law.
Requirements

1. You should be 18 years old or over and should be under the state pension age. For those who are over 65 years old, you should not get the Jobseekers Allowance but get the pension credit instead. To learn on how to calculate your exact pension age, go to direct.gov.uk

2. You should be a UK resident. If you are from overseas and just moved to UK, then you might have some difficulties claiming the Jobseekers Allowance benefit.

3. Should be unemployed and not studying. If you are currently enrolled in a school, then you are not qualified to claim the Jobseekers Allowance. Plus, you should not be working or working less than 16 hours a week. There are more requirements not listed in this guide. If you want to learn more about the requirements of the programme, proceed to your local Job Centre or visit direct.gov.uk.

How to Claim Jobseekers Allowance?

You can claim the Allowance either online at direct.gov.uk or by phone. You can contact Jobcentre by using the following number; 0800 055 6688 during Mondays to Fridays from 8 AM to 6 PM.

For more information about the Jobseekers Allowance (Jobseeker’s Allowance), it is recommended to do more readings about the programme by visiting direct.gov.uk or your local Jobcentre. This program was created to provide every UK citizens with a financial help during the times when they are still looking for work and it would be great to grab this opportunity.

Brief  History

In 1911, the first benefits for the unemployed were first paid to the unemployed but were seeking employment. These people paid the contributions for the National Insurance. However, these financial benefits were only made to those who had been employed and not to the low income individuals and the payments were only compensated to up to 12 months. After 12 months, the beneficiary had to have taken back employment.

In 1944, another Act was brought up which provided benefits to the injured countrymen after the war. The National Assistance Act of 1946 was also passed. In 1948, all of those who are in working age and on the low income could apply for the support. Supplementary Benefit replaced National Assistance in November of 1966 and the beneficiaries could move to the new programme after their initial privilege had expired. In April 1988, Income Support replaced the Supplementary Benefit.

In 1992, Social Service Contributions and Benefits Act which mandates the Job Seekers Allowance programme was then enacted.