{"id":1321,"date":"2020-04-01T15:29:36","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T15:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/?p=1321"},"modified":"2024-07-22T11:03:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T10:03:11","slug":"covid-19-benefits-and-support-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/covid-19-benefits-and-support-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Covid-19 Benefits and Support Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The coronavirus outbreak has already cost thousands of people their jobs, and many of us are now facing a precarious financial future. <\/span>If you\u2019ve found yourself out of work as a result of virus-related staff cuts, are off sick, self-employed, or simply want to change jobs, then knowing what benefits and support you\u2019re entitled to is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Given the situation, the government has had to amend existing procedures, as well as introduce new ones. This means claiming the right aid and support might not be as clear as it was previously (although it’s arguably never been that straight forward). <\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps you\u2019re looking to claim for the first time, or want to know what\u2019s changed if you\u2019re already jobseeking. Whatever your situation, we\u2019ve rounded up all the key essentials, as well as their eligibility requirements, to help you get an idea of what you might be entitled to, and how to get it. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jobseeker\u2019s Allowance<\/h2>\n
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There are three different types of Jobseeker\u2019s Allowance, and they may or may not also entitle you to Universal Credit. Before we look at Universal Credit, let\u2019s start with the different JSA options. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Contribution-based JSA<\/h2>\n
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You\u2019ll be eligible for this option if you\u2019re severely disabled, and able to claim the severe disability premium. You\u2019ll also need to be actively looking for employment, be able to work, and have the right to work in the UK.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Income-based JSA<\/h2>\n
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To qualify for this option, you\u2019ll need to be already eligible for the severe disability premium as with Contribution-based JSA. Income-based JSA is almost the same, with the key difference being you\u2019ll to be single (or have a partner that doesn’t work more than 24 hours in a week), and not have more than \u00a316,000 in savings. Do note that the savings amount does include your partner\u2019s too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2018New Style\u2019 JSA<\/h2>\n
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This form of JSA is claimable if you\u2019ve been working as an employee for the last few years, and have been actively making Class 1 national insurance contributions. Any income or savings from your partner won\u2019t affect your claim either. It is worth noting that you won\u2019t be eligible for this if you are or have been self-employed recently (more on what you can apply for if you\u2019re freelance\/self-employed below).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Universal Credit<\/h2>\n
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Now you\u2019ve identified which form of JSA you can apply for, you should then check whether you can also qualify for Universal Credit. Generally, if you fit the following criteria, you have a good chance of being accepted for this in addition to your JSA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n