How to Claim Job Seeker Allowance in UK

Here is a step by step guide for you to apply for Job Seeker Allowance in United Kingdom. If you are above 18 years old and currently unemployed, you can claim for this allowance by following these steps. If you qualify, you will receive a weekly payment from the government while seeking for a full-time job.

1. Make sure that you meet the requirements

Before you apply, you have to make sure that you meet the requirements set by the government. Some basic requirements are:

- You must be 18-66 years old
- You must be unemployed and capable to work
- You must be actively seeking for a job
- You must pass the means test

Those are some basic requirements that you need to complete in order to qualify for this allowance.

2. Apply for this allowance online or by visiting local office

You can apply for Job Seeker Allowance by visiting your Social Welfare Local Office to get the application form or you can apply it online through Direct.gov website. However, you need to provide necessary and accurate information in your application form. If you have difficulty in filling up the form, then you can ask some staffs from Social Welfare Local Office to help you. If you sign in for the first time and you never work before, it is better for you to visit the local office and talk to the staff there directly.

However, you can apply for the allowance online if you have a job before. Visit this link for more information: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_178228.

The payment that you receive will be paid weekly by Department of Social Protection if you meet the requirement and fill in necessary information correctly.

3. Provide necessary documents

You will be asked to provide necessary documents related to your condition now. If you lose your job, you have to show your P45 document from your last employer. If you are laid off, you might need a letter from your employer stating your current condition. If you have reduced days of work, you will need a letter from your employer to confirm this work reduction.

Aside from that, you will need to show your evidence of identity and evidence of your address. To prove your identity, you can use your passport or driver’s license. If you don’t have either passport or driver’s license, you can bring documents such as credit card, debit card, club membership card, age ID card, work ID card, or medical card. To prove your address, you can provide documents such as electricity bill, telephone bill, and recent bank statement, recent letter from insurance company, and mortgage or leasing agreement.

Other documents may be required, such as:

- Details about your household income
- Details about dependent children
- Details about your income
- Personal Public Service Number
- Your recent efforts showing your activity to get a new job

If you follow the above steps, you will have higher success rate to receive the allowance. However, you have to be patient for your application to be processed. In any case, it is better for you to get as much information as possible before applying for Job Seeker Allowance, either online or offline.