New change to JSA claims process could see people…

New change to JSA claims process could see people waiting longer for first payment from DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important update for anyone making a claim for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). In an update on the official JSA section of the Gov.co.uk website, it states that the time it takes for DWP to contact you after you apply for New Style JSA has changed from within 10 days to within 14 days.

The change could result in a slightly longer wait for your claim to be processed as it may potentially push back the Jobcentre interview to verify your identity back by four days. The updated guidance also includes a list of documents people will need to take along with them to their interview to prove their identity and address to ensure their claim for financial support can be processed.

If you are unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week on average you may be able to get New Style JSA. It is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit and is a contribution-based benefit, normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions, usually in the two full tax years before the year you are claiming in - National Insurance credits can also count.

If you qualify, you can get New Style JSA for up to 182 days, after this your work coach will talk to you about your options.

It’s also worth noting that if you qualify for both New Style JSA and Universal Credit, any New Style JSA you receive will be taken into account as income for Universal Credit.

Who should claim New Style JSA?

Your savings and capital (or your partner’s savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming New Style JSA. However, your earnings and any payment you’re getting from a pension can affect the amount you may receive.

While you receive New Style JSA you’ll be awarded Class 1 National Insurance credits, which can help towards your State Pension and other contributory benefits in the future.

The GOV.UK also has a handy table which shows what you may be able to claim depending on your circumstances - you can view it here.

Eligibility for New Style JSA

To get New Style JSA you usually need to have been working within the last 2 to 3 years as an employee, and have paid (or been credited with) Class 1 National Insurance contributions.

You will need to be either unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week on average.

You will also need to take reasonable steps to look for work.

If you have an illness or disability which stops you from working you cannot get New Style JSA, but you may be able to get ‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - find out more about this benefit here.

How to claim New Style JSA

To apply, you will need your:

National Insurance number
Bank or building society account details (or those of a family member or trusted friend)
Employment details for the past 6 months, including employer contact details and dates you worked with them
Private pension statement letter

After you make your claim

If you applied online, you’ll get a text or email to confirm that your application has been submitted.

The DWP will then contact you within 10 days of applying.

If you are eligible for New Style JSA, DWP will contact you within 10 days to schedule an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office that you must attend, this will normally be with a work coach from your local Jobcentre Plus office.

You’ll need to bring some documents with you to the interview, including your P45 (if you have one) and 3 further identification documents - DWP has a very long list of acceptable documents which can help verify your identity and address - read the full list on the GOV.UK website, here.