Archive Website of the UK government

Start a Jobseeker's Allowance application

To apply online you must be:

• aged 18 years or over and below State Pension age
• in Great Britain
• available for, capable and actively seeking work
• working less than 16 hours per week on average

If this applies to you, you may be eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance.

If you're a higher education student

Full time higher education students can't usually claim Jobseeker's Allowance during the summer holidays. Follow the link below to find out what benefits you may be able to claim.

• Benefits for higher education students with low incomes

If you live in Northern Ireland

You can't apply for Jobseeker's Allowance via Directgov if you live in Northern Ireland. For details of how to make a claim, go to the nidirect website

• nidirect - Jobseeker's Allowance Opens new window

Returning to a Jobseeker's Allowance application

If you've started an online application, but haven't submitted it yet, you'll need your online ID and password to return to it.

• Return to a Jobseeker's Allowance application Opens new window

Get advice on benefits

If you can't get Jobseeker's Allowance, you may still be able to claim other benefits. You can use the benefits adviser, an online service to help you find out what benefits you can get.

• Benefits adviser

Useful links

• Guide to Jobseeker's Allowance

• Calculate the date of your State Pension age

• Benefits for young people