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.

Apply online

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

Apply for New Style JSA

If you cannot apply online or need alternative formats

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:

After you make your claim

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.

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’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.