Job Seekers Allowance is one of the benefits given to adult citizens of United Kingdom who are currently unemployed but available and looking for work. It is also given for those who are working for less than 16 hours per week. As to the basis on how to claim job seekers allowance, it usually depends on the age bracket and on the type of job seekers allowance the claimant is entitled to.

If you are wondering how to claim job seekers allowance, then the succeeding paragraphs will shed some light. Generally, there are two types of JSA that define how much benefits a claimant should get Contribution-based job seekers allowance is a flat rate benefit payable for a maximum of six months while income-based job seekers allowance is worked out according to any income or capital that you or your partner may have.

However, if you are thinking on how to claim job seekers allowance that is contribution-based, you need to check it with taxes. Contribution-based JSA is awarded only if you have made enough National Insurance contributions in previous tax years. It is paid and given to claimant in two different weekly rates, depending on your age.

1. £51.85 for claimant below 25 years old
2. £65.45 for claimant above 25 years old

In case you want to know how to claim job seekers allowance that is income-based, then you need to check on your savings. An income-based JSA is computed according to any income or savings that you or your partner may have. You may also qualify for certain premiums which are intended to help with extra disability costs or having caring responsibilities in addition to the basic personal allowance. Another premium is also available in respect of claimants more than 60 years of age.

Subtracting your total income from your applicable amount is the formula on how to claim job seekers allowance. The applicable amount is made up of your personal allowances, certain housing costs, and any premium that you may be entitled to. Based on the last record as of April 2009, JSA personal allowances are as follows:

1. £50.95 per week for single person below 25 years old
2. £64.30 per week for single person above 25 years old
3. £50.95 per week for lone parent below 18 years old
4. £64.30 per week for lone parent above 18 years old
5. £50.95 per week for couple both below 18 years old
6. £76.90 per week for couple both below 18 years old and with one responsible for a child
7. £50.95 per week for couple with one below 18 years old and one below 25 years old
8. £64.30 per week for couple with one below 18 years old and one more than 25 years old
9. £100.95 per week for couple both above 18 years old

It is not enough that you know how to claim job seekers allowance because JSA also has its set of limitations and sanctions. These sanctions are applied to your benefit once you fail to take up offers of work.

They are also applied once you fail to increase your chances of obtaining work. Sanctions can stop job seekers allowance benefit for two or four weeks for the first offence and for 26 weeks for the next offence. Sanctions will not be applied only if you can prove that you are in good faith for your offence.