5. Claiming jobseeker’s allowance

You start your claim for contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) online (see gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim).

You are usually given an appointment for an interview. Claim as soon as you can, as JSA can only be backdated in very limited circumstances.

At the interview, you are asked to complete Form ES2, Helping You Back to Work, which has questions about looking for work. When filling in this form, remember that even though you are a student, you are expected to be available for work and actively looking for work. Make sure your answers do not cast doubt on your willingness to work. If you are a part-time student, you are also given the student questionnaire to complete and are asked for a learning agreement from your college to show that you are studying part time.

Couples

If you are a full-time student or in relevant education but your partner is not, s/he can get JSA for both of you if s/he is eligible for JSA.1Sch A1 JSA Regs; Vol 6, para 30245 DMG Only your partner must continue to sign on and look for work. Similarly, your partner can get JSA for both of you if you are not yet a full-time student, but you have applied for, or been accepted on, a course.

 

1     Sch A1 JSA Regs; Vol 6, para 30245 DMG »