Money for parents who have worked
Contributory benefits
These are benefits paid to you if you’ve been paying National Insurance contributions, and now need help because, for example, you’re out of work due to illness or maternity. The benefits are the Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.
Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
If you’re looking for work, or work for less than 16 hours a week, you could claim Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, which lasts for up to 26 weeks.
What you need to qualify
You need to have paid National Insurance contributions for the last two complete tax years, not including the current tax year, and have paid Class 1 National Insurance Contributions during part of one of those years. Tax years run from 6 April to the following 5 April. You must also be working less than 16 hours a week or, if you haven’t got a job at the moment, you need to be actively looking for one. However, if you’re a parent, it’s fine to limit the amount of time you’re available for work to 16 hours a week and to fit the work around your need to care for your child.
What it’s worth
The amount you get depends on your age and any part-time earnings. Your partner’s income is not counted. If you are aged 16 to 24 you’ll get up to £47.95 a week; and if you’re 25 or over you’ll get up to £60.50 a week.
How to claim
- Call the Jobcentre Plus free on 0800 055 6688. The call will last approximately 30-45 minutes while you discuss your personal circumstances. You will need to have the following to hand: your employment history for the last 26 weeks, details of any benefits you’re entitled to, your bank account details, and, if you have children, the Child Benefit reference number, details of any Child Tax Credit received and whether a childcare provider is used. You will then be sent the completed form to check, sign and return.
- You will also be sent an appointment date to visit your local Jobcentre Plus to get your claim up and running. During this Work Focused Interview you’ll be able to talk about the work you’d like to find, how you plan to go about looking for it and whether you’d like any further training. You’ll be asked to sign a Jobseeker’s Agreement confirming this.
- You’ll also need to sign on every 2 weeks to show that you’re available for work.
- Your benefit is paid fortnightly, either directly into your bank, building society or Post Office®account.