eligibility for new style jobseekers allowance ?

deejaybee

Hi all,

After being S/E for several years, i started a full time employed job in early August 2023 - however there are some doubts as to how long this work will last. If the worst happens and i am initially unable to find a new job, how long will i have needed to be employed for to be potentially eligible for new style Jobseekers allowance ?

Thanks

poppy12345

You will need class 1 NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. At the moment they look at Tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22. From the first Sunday in January this will change to 2021/22 and 2022/23.  As you only started working as PAYE in August this year you won't have enough of NI contributions. Those that were self employed can't claim New style JSA.

You can check entitlement to Universal Credit but because it's means tested it will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you need to claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

deejaybee

Thank you Poppy, much appreciated.