Job Seekers Allowance

[Deleted User]

I have been self employed for a few years and due to Covid 19 I am not earning any income as work in entertainment. Can I apply for Job Seekers Allowance? One of the questions they ask have you been working for that last 2 years. Yes I have as self employed but not on PAYE. So how do I answer? Sorry is this seems a stupid question. Thanks

poppy12345

To claim New style JSA you need to have paid Class 1 NI contributions in tax years April 2017 to March 2019. Self employed can't usually claim this. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance#eligibility

You need to look at claiming Universal Credit, providing you don't have savings of more than £16,000.

Teen123

I applied for Universal Credit, as I was self employed for 6 months before we moved into this crazy world.
I got a message this morning say I will be getting JSA at £148.70 every two weeks.
Is JSA not Jobseeker Allowance?
Should I still get some Universal Credit?

I am asking on here as you certainly cant get speak to anyone at DWP.

Advise would be helpful.