The government helps the unemployed in a variety of ways
Jobseekers allowance - introduced by national government in 1997 to replace Unemployment benefit
There are three types
Contributory JSA - you can claim, this if you have paid national insurance while working
Non-contributory JSA - you can claim this if you are unemployed but do not have enough National Insurance contributions
Income-based JSA - those who are unemployed after 6 months of receiving one of the above are moved to this scheme which offers less money
If an unemployed person is in a council house he/she can apply for housing benefit. In privately owned homes an unemployed person can apply to get the interest paid on their account (but not the capital). The unemployed can also apply for council tax benefit
Those on a low income may be entitled to Working Families Tax Credit. This may encourage the unemployed to get back to work
For the unemployed and those on a low income:
Social Fund (means tested)
to help people pay for unexpected expenses
buy baby clothes for new-born child
funeral expenses
pay for heating - cold weather payment if child is under 5
buy a cooker/bed/furniture/pay for medical expenses