What does Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) depend on?

Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) depends primarily on National Insurance payments made by the individual. This allowance is designed to support those who are unemployed and actively seeking work, and it is intended for individuals who have made sufficient National Insurance contributions in the past. The requirement for these contributions is central to the eligibility for the contribution-based JSA.

Individuals who do not qualify under the contribution-based scheme might be eligible for income-based JSA, which considers other factors like household income and savings, but this stems from their prior National Insurance contributions. Hence, understanding the relationship between JSA and National Insurance payments is crucial for grasping the eligibility criteria for this form of assistance.