New Style Jobseeker's Allowance 

New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance can be claimed when you are unemployed or employed for less than 16 hours a week and your health condition or disability does not restrict your ability to work. New Style JSA is a contribution based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in. National Insurance credits can also count.

Your savings and capital (or your partner’s savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming New Style Jobseeker's Allowance. However, your earnings and any payment you’re getting from a pension can affect the amount you may receive.  Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance 

New Style Employment Support Allowance 

New Style Employment Support Allowance can be claimed when you are unable to work or are employed for less than 16 hours a week due your health condition or disability New Style Employment Support Allowance is a contribution based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the two full tax years before the year you’re claiming in. National Insurance credits can also count. Your savings and capital (or your partner’s savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming New Style Employment Support Allowance. However, your earnings and any payment you’re getting from a pension can affect the amount you may receive. Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance 

Universal Credit 

Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It can be claimed in addition to New Style JSA and ESA to help with rental costs and additional amounts for children. It is a means tested benefit which means it is affected by most other income that you and your partner have and by any savings you have of £6000 or more.  

If you are in receipt of any ‘legacy benefits’ it is important to get advice before making a claim – as you could be worse off by claiming Universal Credit.  Legacy benefits are: Income Support, Income Related ESA, Income Related JSA, Income Support, Housing Benefit and Tax Credits.  After the first three months of the claim your entitlement and payment rate is dependent on the outcome of a work capability assessment. https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit 

For more information see our section on Work Capability Assessments and Universal Credit.

Welfare Benefits

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