Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - How do I claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?

I live in England, Scotland or Wales

You can apply online, by starting an application on the GOV.UK website. 

You can make a claim over the phone, by calling the Jobcentre Plus:

• Telephone: 0800 055 6688 
• BSL Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service 
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 055 6688
• Welsh Language telephone: 0800 012 1888

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm

I live in Northern Ireland 

You can apply online, by starting an application on the NI Direct website. 

You can make a claim over the phone, by calling the Jobseeker’s Allowance Processing Centre:

• Telephone: 0800 022 4250
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 022 4250 
• Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service 

What documents will I need to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance?

You must give your National Insurance number and evidence of who you are, for example, a driving licence or birth certificate. You need to give details of the bank account you want your benefit paid into. If you are receiving or entitled to receive a pension, you need to give details of that pension.

When will my Jobseeker’s Allowance claim begin?

There is a 7-day period between claiming and being able to get Jobseeker’s Allowance. These are called waiting days. Exceptions apply. 

A claim for Jobseeker's Allowance can be backdated for up to three months before the date of the claim if you would have been entitled to it earlier. You have to have an acceptable reason for claiming late. Request this when claiming.

Change of circumstances

You must report changes in circumstances which might affect your entitlement to this benefit. You can do this by calling the JSA helpline or writing to the Jobcentre Plus that pays your JSA.