Work-search conditions, and associated sanctions, have long been criticised for driving people deeper into poverty and doing little to help them into quality jobs that suit their skills.
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“Successive governments have tried to push people back to work through poverty-rate benefits and the threat of sanctions,” said Tom Pollard, head of social policy at the New Economics Foundation, after the think-tank published research showing that the general public wants people claiming benefits to be treated better.
“Politicians tend to assume that the public want the strictest regime around out-of-work benefits possible.”
The report also showed that the public underestimates how strict the conditions placed on people receiving benefits are. People usually have to spend 35 hours per week looking for jobs (those surveyed estimated this to be 13 hours), and they generally only get a month to search for work in their chosen field before they’re forced to look for jobs unrelated to their skills (the public thought they would have around three months).
“We now know that this approach is making it less likely that people will get into good jobs that they can thrive in and is pushing many to feel unable to engage with Jobcentre support in the first place. All of this is leading to a greater cost to the public purse.
“The public is ready for our benefits system to shift from a focus on compliance to positively supporting people into good jobs.”
Types of unemployment benefit
There are a few unemployment benefits operated by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and it can be tricky to know which you’re eligible for without advice. The introduction of, and gradual migration of most people previously on so-called legacy benefits to, universal credit can also be confusing.
You can claim universal credit if you’re out of work or in work and on a low income (around 44% of claimants already have jobs). It’s gradually replacing other benefits including jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance and housing benefit, and your payments are reduced the more you earn. But you can claim it alongside some other benefits, such as new-style jobseeker’s allowance.
Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA)
Jobseeker’s allowance, commonly referred to as JSA, is the longest-standing unemployment benefit for those actively seeking work. It’s designed to help people who aren’t working but are capable of doing so and are actively looking for a job.
Income-based jobseeker’s allowance is affected by how much money you have coming in, and if you live with a partner who works. It’s being replaced by universal credit but some people may not have been moved over yet.
New-style jobseeker’s allowance is for people who have paid enough National Insurance contributions over the last two to three years. It’s not means-tested, which means it’s based on your recent employment history rather than your current financial situation. If the DWP decides you qualify for it, you can receive the new-style benefit even if you or your partner have savings or other sources of income. You can claim it for up to 182 days (roughly six months), after which you’ll need to explore other benefits and options if you’re still unemployed.
Most people receiving jobseeker’s allowance have to demonstrate that they’re looking for full-time work (35 hours or more per week) in order to keep getting the payments. But you might be allowed to look for a part-time job instead if you’re a carer, look after young children or are disabled.
Employment and support allowance (ESA)
Employment and support allowance (ESA) provides financial support for people who can’t work due to illness or disability. While JSA is for people capable of working, ESA supports those who have limited ability to work due to health reasons.
There are two types of ESA: contributory ESA (based on National Insurance contributions) and income-related ESA (means-tested). Similar to JSA, the old versions of these benefits are being phased out in favour of universal credit, though it’s still available to some people as new-style ESA.
Through this benefit you might be able to access other support services designed to help you manage your health condition or re-enter the workforce when possible.
Child support benefit
While not technically classed as an unemployment benefit, child benefit is essential support for out-of-work adults with children. It’s a regular payment from the government to help cover the costs of raising children and is available to nearly all parents, regardless of their employment status. But higher-income families might need to pay back some of their child benefit through the High-Income Child Benefit Tax Charge if they or their partner earns over a certain threshold.
Housing benefit
Housing benefit helps people trying to get by on low incomes to pay their rent, and to prevent people from falling into rent arrears – something that’s especially important during periods of unemployment. Eligibility for housing benefit depends on your income, savings and how much your rent costs. Although housing benefit is gradually being replaced by universal credit, certain groups – like people of pension age and people living in temporary or supported housing – can still apply.
Most people now receive the housing element of universal credit, rather than housing benefit itself, to pay their rent.
How much is unemployment benefit?
The amount you’re paid in unemployment benefits depends on the type of benefit and your circumstances, as well as other factors like your income and how much you might have in savings.
To get an idea of how much you could be entitled to and which benefits you’re eligible for, use an online benefits calculator.
The government usually increases benefits at the beginning of each new tax year. This means that most benefits for people of working age will go up by 1.7% in April 2025.
How much is jobseeker’s allowance?
For those on new-style jobseeker’s allowance, the weekly payments generally depend on a person’s age.
People between 18 and 24 are entitled to a maximum £71.70 per week, while those aged 25 or over can receive up to £90.50 per week. But the amount you receive will be decided based on your situation.
It’s also subject to regular reassessment, which means you could receive more or less over time depending on changes in your work or household income.
How to claim unemployment benefits
If you’re unemployed and want to apply for benefits, the process can be straightforward, but it requires some preparation. Knowing whether you’re eligible and understanding the steps to apply can make a big difference in how quickly you receive support.
Who can claim unemployment benefit?
To qualify for most unemployment benefits, you have to be: a UK resident; actively seeking work or unable to work due to a health condition; and under the state pension age.
Each type of benefit has its own specific conditions – there are few one-size-fits-all welfare payments, which can contribute to how tricky the system is to navigate – so if you’re uncertain, contact a local adviser for free help. You could contact your local Citizens Advice branch, or use the Turn2us tool to find support specific to your circumstances.
How to apply for unemployment benefits
To apply for unemployment benefits like new-style jobseeker’s allowance, start by gathering the necessary documents – in most cases that will include information like your National Insurance number, recent payslips, bank statements and details about your household income and expenses. You’ll also need documents from your doctor if you’re applying for financial support based on a health condition. Once you have everything ready, you can submit your application either online or by phone (the Jobcentre Plus new claims helpline can be reached on 0800 055 6688).
You’ll be required to attend an initial interview at your local Jobcentre Plus for a lot of unemployment benefits. This meeting usually involves an advisor reviewing your application and discussing your next steps, like developing a ‘claimant commitment’ plan outlining your job search goals. It also often means you commit to spending a certain amount of time applying for jobs, attending training or improving your skills. If you’re viewed as failing to meet these responsibilities, your payments could be reduced or withdrawn entirely.
This appointment might also involve assessing your ability to work, depending on which benefit you’re applying for.
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