There are two types of JSA: contribution-based and income-based.

• Contribution-based JSA is for people who have paid or been credited with class 1 National Insurance contributions (NICs) in relevant tax years.  These are contributions that are paid by employers and employees through payroll - so it you have had a job where you get a payslip, not working freelance, your employer should have been paying class 1 NICs (you can see these listed on your payslip).  Self employed people, who pay class 2 and class 4 NICs, will not generally qualify for contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance.
• Income-based JSA is based on your income and savings.  You may get this if you have not paid enough NICs (or you've only paid contributions for self-employment) and you're on a low income.

For each type of JSA you get a weekly rate according to your age, status and dependents.  See the JobCentre Plus website for up to date amounts and full information on claiming and further contact details.

After six month's unemployment, your JobCentre Plus can tell you about extra help you might be able to get, depending on your circumstances and what’s available in your local area, in finding work.  This can include:

• access to jobs where an employer receives £1,000 recruitment subsidy and in work training support depending on location
• help to set up your own business or become self-employed, including financial help and specialist advice
• the training that is available if you need to improve your skills or develop new ones that will increase your job prospects
• voluntary work you could do while seeking full time work

You are stongly advised to initially seek information from your Citizen's Advice Bureau, who can advise you on the full range of benefits you can claim for your circumstances.

•   29 September Department for Work and Pensions Public Enquiries
  website

  dwp.gov.uk/contact-us/

  Contacts for local offices for enquiries about all benefits, as well as contact information for ministers in the Department.

•   29 September Citizen's Advice Bureau
  website

  http://www.adviceguide.org.uk
  website

  http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

  Citizens Advice Bureau are one stop shops where basic advice and information on your rights can be obtained. There are many centres around the UK and also an online advice.

•   29 September JobCentre Plus
  website

  http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

  Manages and delivers benefits on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, including JobSeeker's Allowance and some others. Can also help unemployed people with training and finding work.

•   29 September Community Care
  website

  http://www.communitycare.co.uk

  Excellent resource for an overview of the benefits system, including articles on new benefits and elegibility.

•   29 September Working Tax Credits
  website

  http://taxcredits.hmrc.gov.uk/Qualify/WhatAreTaxCredits.aspx

  Tax credits provide extra income to people who are employed or self-employed (and, separately, people with children), either on their own or in a partnership, depending on their age and circumstances who usually work 30 hours or more a week; are paid for that work; and expect to work for at least 4 weeks. See website for full information applying and eligibility.

• self employment
• benefits
• tax
• money