Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions
Extend Contribution-based and New Style Jobseekers Allowance during Covid-19
Closed
313 signatures
What the petition asks
The Government should extend Jobseeker allowance to the unemployed for at least an additional 6 months for people claiming this during the Covid-19 outbreak.
There have been more than 250,000 Job Seeker Allowance (JSA) cases since March 2020, and many of these claimants will now be at end of the 6-month claim limit.
Many on contribution-based or New Style Jobseekers allowance don't qualify for means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit (UC), so when their six-month period of Jobseekers allowance expires face having no income. The Government should extend the claim limit for these benefits during the Covid-19 outbreak, for at least a further six months.
Furloughed workers obtain 80% of wage. People who are unemployed and not eligible for other benefits must also be supported.
Many on contribution-based or New Style Jobseekers allowance don't qualify for means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit (UC), so when their six-month period of Jobseekers allowance expires face having no income. The Government should extend the claim limit for these benefits during the Covid-19 outbreak, for at least a further six months.
Furloughed workers obtain 80% of wage. People who are unemployed and not eligible for other benefits must also be supported.
Timeline
| 19 Nov 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 19 May 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
313
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
Opened
19 Nov 2020
Closed
19 May 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.