You can get support if you're currently looking for a job or on low pay.
Universal Credit for jobseekers
If you are looking for work or are in low paid work, you might be entitled to Universal Credit.
Use our benefits calculator Go to https://bristol.entitledto.co.uk/home/start (opens new window)to see whether you qualify.
Find out more on our Universal Credit page.
Jobseeker's Allowance
Jobseeker's Allowance is for people of working age who are out of work or work fewer than 16 hours a week on average.
Most people can't make a new claim for Jobseeker's Allowance and need to claim Universal Credit instead.
If you already receive Jobseeker's Allowance you will carry on getting it but if your circumstances change, you might have to claim Universal Credit instead.
New style Jobseeker's Allowance
You can make a new claim for new style Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions. Payment of the Jobseeker's Allowance is limited to 26 weeks.
Find out more about new style Jobseeker's Allowance on GOV.UK.
Sanctions
If you claim a benefit for jobseekers, you will have to agree a ‘claimant commitment' with the Jobcentre.
If Jobcentre Plus decide you haven't met the conditions of your claimant commitment you may be sanctioned.
This means your Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit won't be paid for a specified length of time. It's important to carry on meeting the job seeking conditions while you're sanctioned, otherwise your claim will be closed.
If you had a good reason for what you did, you should tell Jobcentre Plus what this was. If your benefit is sanctioned, you may be eligible for a hardship payment.