•Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are looking for work.

•Contribution-based JSA is a non-means-tested benefit, but it can be affected by earnings and certain pension payments.

•You must have paid sufficient national insurance contributions.

•You cannot qualify for JSA if you count as being in full-time paid work.

•You must normally be fit for work and meet work-related requirements.

•You may be able to get your contribution-based JSA topped up with universal credit (UC).

•If you are given a sanction (see Chapter 49), your JSA may be paid at a reduced or nil rate.

•JSA is administered and paid by the DWP. It sometimes calls contribution-based JSA ‘new-style’ JSA.

•If you disagree with a JSA decision, you can apply for a revision or a supersession (see Chapter 56), or appeal against it (see Chapter 57). You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal.