Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Your JSA claim
When you apply to claim JSA, your work coach will make an agreement with you to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’.
Your Claimant Commitment could include:
- what you need to do to look for work - for example registering with recruitment agencies or writing a CV
- how many hours you need to spend looking for work each week
You should continue to do all the things you have agreed to do if you can do them safely.
You can search and apply for work using the ‘Find a job’ service.
You must tell Jobcentre Plus if your circumstances change, for example you start working or your income changes.
Attending regular appointments
Your work coach will arrange appointments with you every 1 to 2 weeks.
At these appointments, you must show your work coach what you’ve been doing to look for work, for example proof of job applications and interviews.
If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you might be able to get a break of up to 13 weeks from job seeking - speak to your work coach if you need this support.
When payment can be reduced or stopped
Your JSA payments can be reduced or stopped for a period if you do not do something your work coach asks you to do. This is called being ‘sanctioned’. For example, if you:
- do not take part in an appointment with your work coach
- do not accept or keep to your agreement to look for work
- turn down a job or training course
- do not apply for any jobs you’re told about
- do not take part in any interviews you’re invited to
- do not go to any training booked for you or take part in employment schemes
You may also be sanctioned if you:
- are not available to start work straight away
- choose to take a pay cut at your current job without a good reason
- have your pay cut at your current job because of something you did, such as your behaviour
- leave your last job or training without good reason or because of your behaviour
Contact Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible if any of these apply to you. You may be able to keep your payment if you have good reason.
You’ll be told how long your payment will be reduced or stopped for. It could be for up to 26 weeks (about 6 months).
If you want to know how long your JSA payment could be reduced or stopped for, read part 3 or part 4 of the guidance on JSA sanctions.
If your JSA payment is reduced or stopped
If your payment is reduced or stopped, you should keep looking for work. Your benefit payment could be affected for longer if you do not.
If you disagree with the decision to stop payment, you can ask for the decision to be looked at again - this is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’.
If you disagree with the outcome of the mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
You should continue with any JSA claim until the dispute is settled.
If you claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
You should contact your local council immediately. They’ll tell you what to do to continue getting support.