OpenLegislation

Jobseekers Act 1995

1995 c. 18 · Enacted 28 June 1995 · Extends to United Kingdom

Not fully up to date. 45 changes made by later legislation have not yet been written into this text, which is revised to 1 July 2026.

See the changes not yet applied
ProvisionChangeMade by
s. 16(1)(a)(ii)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
Sch. 1 para. 14BinsertedWelfare Reform Act 2009 s. 30(1)
s. 9(4A)insertedWelfare Reform Act 2009 s. 31(1)
s. 26(1)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 2(1)(b)word insertedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 2 para. 6
s. 2(1)(d) and wordrepealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 3(1)(c)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 3(1A)(a)word repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 3A(1)(b)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 19(10)(a)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 3
s. 26(3)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 26(4) (1)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 28(1)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 31repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 1
s. 36(1)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 3
Sch. 2 para. 27repealedWelfare Reform Act 2009 Sch. 7 Pt. 2
Sch. 1 para. 8B(3)amendment to earlier affecting provision 2009 c. 24 s. 29(1)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 14
s. 9(4A)amendment to earlier affecting provision 2009 c. 24 s. 31(1)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 15(2)(b)
s. 10words substituted by 2009 c. 24 s. 32(3)(b) (as substituted)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(3)
s. 19amendment to earlier affecting provision 2009 c. 24 s. 32(3)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(3)
s. 19Awords substituted by 2009 c. 24 s. 32(3)(d) (as substituted)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(3)
s. 2(3C)(e) and wordrepealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 18repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 25repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
Sch. 2 para. 29-35repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
Sch. 2 para. 53(4)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
Sch. 2 para. 73(3)(4)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 32(2)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 8
Sch. 2 para. 51repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 8
s. 35(1)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 3
s. 9substitutedWelfare Reform Act 2012 s. 44(3)
s. 20Eamendment to earlier affecting provision 2009 c. 24 s. 32(2)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(2)
s. 8(1A)words substituted by 2009 c. 24 s. 32(3)(a) (as substituted)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(3)
s. 9amendment to earlier affecting provision 2009 c. 24 s. 32(3)Welfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 16(3)
s. 2(1)(d) and wordrepealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 31repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 40repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
Sch. 2 para. 73(3) (4)repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 14 Pt. 1
s. 10substitutedWelfare Reform Act 2012 s. 44(4)
s. 1(2)(za)insertedWelfare Reform Act 2012 s. 61(2)
s. 1(3A)insertedWelfare Reform Act 2012 s. 61(3)
Sch. 1 para. 8ZAinsertedWelfare Reform Act 2012 s. 61(4)
s. 4(1)(b)words insertedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 5 para. 5(a)
s. 4(1)(b)words repealedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 5 para. 5(b)
s. 17A(5)(c)words substitutedWelfare Reform Act 2012 Sch. 7 para. 4

An Act to provide for a jobseeker’s allowance and to make other provision to promote the employment of the unemployed and the assistance of persons without a settled way of life.

[28th June 1995]

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—C1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8C9C10

Annotations to the whole text

Modifications

C1

Act modified (6.4.2016) by The Social Security (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/287), reg. 2(2)(c), Sch.

C2

Act applied (with modifications) (17.11.2016 for specified purposes, 6.4.2017 for all further purposes) by The Social Security (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/1050), reg. 2(2)

C3

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Iceland) (Liechtenstein) (Norway) (Citizens' Rights Agreement) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1302), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

C4

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Switzerland) (Citizens' Rights Agreement) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1303), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

C5

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Ireland) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/622), art. 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

C6

Act modified (1.1.2021) by The Social Security (Norway) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/1597), arts. 1, 2(1)(2), Sch. (with art. 2(3))

C7

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1 of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Switzerland) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/1088), art. 2(1)-(3), Sch.

C8

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Iceland) (Liechtenstein) (Norway) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1060), art. 2, Sch.

C9

Act modified (S.) (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3) of the amending S.S.I.) by The Social Security (Gibraltar) (Iceland) (Liechtenstein) (Norway) (Further provision in respect of Scotland) Order 2024 (S.S.I. 2024/62), art. 2

C10

Act modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Gibraltar) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/149), art. 2

Contents

  1. Part I: The Jobseeker’s Allowance
  2. Entitlement
  3. 1The jobseeker’s allowance.
  4. 2The contribution-based conditions.
  5. 3The income-based conditions.
  6. 3AThe conditions for claims by joint-claim couples.
  7. 3BJoint-claim couples: the nominated member.
  8. 4Amount payable by way of a jobseeker’s allowance.
  9. 4AAmount payable in respect of joint-claim couple.
  10. 5Duration of a contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance.
  11. Jobseeking Work-related requirements
  12. 6Availability for employment. Work-related requirements
  13. 6AClaimant commitment
  14. 6BWork-focused interview requirement
  15. 6CWork preparation requirement
  16. 6DWork search requirement
  17. 6EWork availability requirement
  18. 6FImposition of work-related requirements
  19. 6GConnected requirements
  20. 6HImposition of work-related and connected requirements: supplementary
  21. 6ICompliance with work-related and connected requirements
  22. 6JHigher-level sanctions
  23. 6KOther sanctions
  24. 6LDelegation and contracting out
  25. 7Actively seeking employment.
  26. 8Attendance, information and evidence.
  27. 9The jobseeker’s agreement.
  28. 10Variation of jobseeker’s agreement.
  29. 11Jobseeker’s agreement: reviews and appeals.
  30. Income and capital
  31. 12Income and capital: general.
  32. 13Income and capital: income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
  33. Trade disputes
  34. 14Trade disputes.
  35. 15Effect on other claimants.
  36. 15ATrade disputes: joint-claim couples.
  37. Persons under 18
  38. 16Severe hardship.
  39. 17Reduced payments.
  40. 18Recovery of overpayments.
  41. “Work for your benefit” schemes etc.
  42. 17ASchemes for assisting persons to obtain employment: “work for your benefit” schemes etc.
  43. 17BSection 17A: supplemental
  44. Persons dependent on drugs etc.
  45. 17CPersons dependent on drugs etc. Repealed
  46. 18Recovery of overpayments.
  47. Denial of jobseeker’s allowance
  48. 19Higher-level sanctions
  49. 19AOther sanctions
  50. 19BClaimants ceasing to be available for employment etc
  51. 19CHardship payments
  52. 20Exemptions from section 19 and 19A.
  53. 20A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  54. 20B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  55. Miscellaneous
  56. 20EContracting out
  57. 21Supplementary provisions.
  58. 22Members of the forces.
  59. 23Recovery of sums in respect of maintenance.
  60. 24Effect of alteration of rates.
  61. 25Age increases.
  62. Part II: Back to Work Schemes
  63. 26The back to work bonus.
  64. 27Employment of long-term unemployed: deductions by employers.
  65. 28Expedited claims for housing benefit and council tax benefit.
  66. 29Pilot schemes.
  67. Part III: Miscellaneous and Supplemental
  68. 30Grants for resettlement places.
  69. 31Termination of awards.
  70. 32Insolvency.
  71. 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  72. 34Section 34
  73. 35Interpretation.
  74. 36Regulations and orders.
  75. 37Parliamentary control.
  76. 38General financial arrangements.
  77. 39Provision for Northern Ireland.
  78. 40Transitional provisions.
  79. 41Short title, commencement, extent etc.
  80. Schedule A1
  81. Requirements imposed in relation to use of drugs
  82. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  83. 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  84. 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  85. Paragraphs 1 to 3: supplementary
  86. 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  87. Voluntary and mandatory rehabilitation plans
  88. 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  89. 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  90. Sanctions
  91. 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  92. Information
  93. 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  94. Interpretation
  95. 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  96. Power to extend provisions to alcohol
  97. 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repealed
  98. Schedule 1: Supplementary Provisions
  99. Remunerative work
  100. 1Paragraph 1
  101. Limited capability for work
  102. 2Paragraph 2
  103. Linking periods
  104. 3Paragraph 3
  105. Waiting days
  106. 4Paragraph 4
  107. Periods of less than a week
  108. 5Paragraph 5
  109. Employment protection sums
  110. 6Paragraph 6
  111. Pension payments
  112. 7Paragraph 7
  113. Exemptions
  114. 8Paragraph 8
  115. 8AParagraph 8A
  116. 8BParagraph 8B
  117. 9Paragraph 9
  118. Continuity of claims and awards: persons ceasing to be a joint-claim couple
  119. 9AParagraph 9A
  120. Continuity of claims and awards: persons again becoming a joint-claim couple
  121. 9BParagraph 9B
  122. Continuity of claims and awards: couple becoming a joint-claim couple
  123. 9CParagraph 9C
  124. Paragraphs 9A to 9C: supplementary
  125. 9DParagraph 9D
  126. Claims yet to be determined and suspended payments
  127. 10Paragraph 10
  128. Presence in and absence from Great Britain
  129. 11Paragraph 11
  130. Households
  131. 12Paragraph 12
  132. Responsibility for another person
  133. 13Paragraph 13
  134. Relevant education
  135. 14Paragraph 14
  136. 14AAParagraph 14AA
  137. Calculation of periods
  138. 15Paragraph 15
  139. Employment on ships etc.
  140. 16Paragraph 16
  141. Additional conditions
  142. 17Paragraph 17
  143. Benefits Act purposes
  144. 18Paragraph 18
  145. Treatment of information supplied as information relating to social security
  146. 19Paragraph 19
  147. Schedule 2: Consequential Amendments
  148. The Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (c. 49)
  149. 1Paragraph 1
  150. The Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 (c. 44)
  151. 2Paragraph 2 Repealed
  152. The Education Act 1980 (c. 20)
  153. 3Paragraph 3 Repealed
  154. The Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43)
  155. 4Paragraph 4 Repealed
  156. The Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 44)
  157. 5Paragraph 5
  158. The Administration of Justice Act 1982 (c. 53)
  159. 6Paragraph 6
  160. The Transport Act 1982 (c. 49)
  161. 7Paragraph 7
  162. The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 66)
  163. 8Paragraph 8 Repealed
  164. The Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c.47)
  165. 9Paragraph 9 Repealed
  166. The Abolition of Domestic Rates Etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 47)
  167. 10Paragraph 10
  168. The Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1)
  169. 11Paragraph 11
  170. 12Paragraph 12 Repealed
  171. 13Paragraph 13 Repealed
  172. 14Paragraph 14 Repealed
  173. 15Paragraph 15 Repealed
  174. 16Paragraph 16 Repealed
  175. The Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40)
  176. 17Paragraph 17 Repealed
  177. The Local Government Finance Act 1988 (c. 41)
  178. 18Paragraph 18
  179. The Children Act 1989 (c. 41)
  180. 19Paragraph 19
  181. The Child Support Act 1991 (c. 48)
  182. 20Paragraph 20
  183. The Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53)
  184. 21Paragraph 21
  185. The Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (c.4)
  186. 22Paragraph 22
  187. 23Paragraph 23
  188. 24Paragraph 24 Repealed
  189. 25Paragraph 25 Repealed
  190. 26Paragraph 26
  191. 27Paragraph 27
  192. 28Paragraph 28
  193. 29Paragraph 29
  194. 30Paragraph 30
  195. 31Paragraph 31
  196. 32Paragraph 32
  197. 33Paragraph 33 Repealed
  198. 34Paragraph 34 Repealed
  199. 35Paragraph 35
  200. 36Paragraph 36
  201. 37Paragraph 37
  202. The Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c.5)
  203. 38Paragraph 38
  204. 39Paragraph 39
  205. 40Paragraph 40
  206. 41Paragraph 41
  207. 42Paragraph 42
  208. 43Paragraph 43
  209. 44Paragraph 44
  210. 45Paragraph 45
  211. 46Paragraph 46
  212. 47Paragraph 47
  213. 48Paragraph 48
  214. 49Paragraph 49
  215. 50Paragraph 50
  216. 51Paragraph 51
  217. 52Paragraph 52 Repealed
  218. 53Paragraph 53
  219. 54Paragraph 54 Repealed
  220. 55Paragraph 55
  221. 56Paragraph 56
  222. 57Paragraph 57
  223. 58Paragraph 58 Repealed
  224. 59Paragraph 59
  225. 60Paragraph 60
  226. 61Paragraph 61
  227. 62Paragraph 62 Repealed
  228. 63Paragraph 63 Repealed
  229. 64Paragraph 64
  230. 65Paragraph 65
  231. 66Paragraph 66
  232. 67Paragraph 67
  233. 68Paragraph 68
  234. 69Paragraph 69
  235. 70Paragraph 70
  236. 71Paragraph 71
  237. 72Paragraph 72
  238. 73Paragraph 73
  239. 74Paragraph 74 Repealed
  240. The Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c.14)
  241. 75Paragraph 75
  242. 76Paragraph 76
  243. Schedule 3Repeals