Can You Claim Job Seekers Allowance If You Are Over 62 Years Of Age?

The retirement age is rising and more people are choosing to work past the age of 62. But can you still get Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) if you’re older than 62? If you are looking for the answer to this question, you will find detailed guidance through the content of the following blog post.

Can You Claim Job Seekers Allowance If You Are Over 62 Years Of Age?

Yes, you can claim Job Seekers Allowance. If you are over 62 and claiming JSA, you will be exempt from the ”looking for work” part of the JSA claim process. However, you may still need to attend appointments at the Jobcentre and be available for work. 

To get Jobseekers Allowance if you are over 62, you will first need to satisfy several criteria. This means that you will need to be registered with the Jobcentre and claim a benefit. You will also need to be actively looking for work and be available for the hours of work that you can do. There are some exceptions to these criteria, so it is important to contact your local Jobcentre to find out your eligibility for JSA if you are over 62. 

You will also need to satisfy the work availability rules, which are different for those who are over 62. You must be ready and willing to accept any offer of work immediately, take up any suitable employment you are offered and keep certain records of your job search activities. You may also be asked to attend a meeting or interview at the Jobcentre before your claim is processed. 

This means that you may be required to attend meetings, interviews and appointments with your job coach to find suitable employment.

 If you are over 62 and looking for work, there are a few things to consider before making your claim. Firstly, you should consider how many hours of work you can fit into your existing lifestyle and how much you can realistically earn. If you don’t have the energy to work full-time, you may want to consider taking on part-time work. 

It’s also worth considering the type of jobs you will be applying for. You may want to consider jobs which use your existing skills or those that you think you could quickly learn. This is particularly important if you are looking for jobs in sectors which may have changed rapidly since you last worked in them. 

It’s also important to be aware of any health or mobility issues which may affect your ability to work. You may need to consider whether working is the best option for you or if you would be better off applying for other benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit. 

How Much Can You Claim With Jobseekers Allowance If You Are Over 62?

If you prove to be eligible for Jobseekers Allowance, you can claim a weekly payment of £77.00. JSA is generally paid to claimants as weekly payments made into their bank, building society or credit union account. The claim is usually reviewed after 6 months of payments;

Depending on the claimant’s circumstances, there are two types of JSA; either of which can be applied for. These are: 

• contribution-based JSA; and 
• income-based JSA 

Contribution-based JSA can be claimed by individuals who have made the required amount of National Insurance contributions. On the other hand, income-based JSA can be claimed by individuals who have a low income. 

However, new claimants may not be able to claim income-based JSA anymore as this is one of the six legacy benefits being replaced with Universal Credit. This means that even if you qualify for income-based JSA, you will need to apply for Universal Credit if you are on a low income. 

How Do You Claim Jobseekers Allowance?

You can claim Jobseeker’s Allowance by following these steps:

• apply online through the UK Government’s website 
• once your application is processed, you will be contacted by a Jobcentre Plus office
• you will be given a date and time to appear for an interview at the Jobcentre Plus office 
• after your interview is complete, you will be given a Claimant Commitment which includes the terms of stating that you will be actively looking for work while you receive JSA 

If you need help with the application process for JSA you can call the Jobcentre Plus office at 0800 055 6688 during weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm to seek advice and guidance. 

Conclusion:

Getting Jobseekers Allowance if you are older than 62 is not impossible, but it is important to consider the rules which apply to you and the various considerations before making a claim. It is worth visiting your local Jobcentre to find out more about eligibility, what to expect from the “looking for work” part of the process and to discuss any individual circumstances you may have.

References:

Job Seekers Allowance for the Over Sixties

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) advice | Age UK

Jobseekers over 62 exempt from looking for work | The Sunday Times