Benefits and financial support if you're looking for work

Overview

You may be able to get financial help while you look for work. What you can receive depends on factors such as your age, income, savings, household, health, and National Insurance record.

Some support helps with living costs, while other services help you prepare for work, search for vacancies, or manage redundancy.

Check what you could get

A benefits calculator can provide an estimate based on your circumstances. You can also use an eligibility checker before starting a claim.

Estimates are not award decisions. You may need to supply evidence about your income, savings, housing costs, and household.

Benefits and financial support

• Universal Credit may help with living and housing costs.
• Jobseeker's Allowance may be available based on recent National Insurance contributions.
• Pension Credit may be available if you have reached the qualifying age and have a low income.

Check the individual eligibility rules before applying. Receiving one benefit can affect the amount you receive from another.

Help to find work

Employment services can help you search and apply for vacancies. If you have been made redundant, support may also cover training, managing money, and understanding your rights.

Disabled people and people with a health condition may be able to get workplace or interview support through an employment-access scheme.

Other support

Depending on your circumstances, help may include a savings scheme for people on a low income, a budgeting loan, or an arranged support visit if you cannot manage a claim through the usual channels.

Ask the relevant service what evidence is needed and whether any payment must be repaid.