Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Income Support

For example, if you are a single parent aged 18 or over with one baby and no savings, you would be allowed an income of £55.65 per week. You will get extra money for your child through Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit. This means that any weekly income you already have (such as child support) would be topped up to the Income Support level. Some of your income may be ignored when working out how much income support you can get, for example, the first £20 of your earnings, the first £10 of child support and any tax credit and child benefit you are getting for your children.

How do I claim?
Claim JSA by going to the JobCentre in person (or by post if you live too far from the JobCentre). Claim Income Support on form A1 which you can get from a JobCentre Plus office or post office. Return it to your JobCentre Plus office.

The benefits are paid directly into your bank account or by giro or by a book of orders which you cash at the post office. If you are claiming JSA you will have to go to the Jobcentre every fortnight to "sign on" to show that you are available for work. If you are claiming Income Support you do not need to "sign on".