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During short-term periods of sickness you may continue to be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance. Two periods of sickness in a jobseeking period or in each successive 12 months where the jobseeking period lasts over a year may be permitted. Each period of sickness can last up to two weeks.

The decision to stay on Jobseeker's Allowance during these short periods is normally yours. However, if your claim is linked to a previous claim for Incapacity Benefit, you will not be able to stay on Jobseeker's Allowance.

Some jobseekers may be better off claiming Incapacity Benefit or Income Support when they are sick. For example, people aged 18 to 24, or if you know your sickness will last for some time. If you have been entitled to Incapacity Benefit in the previous eight weeks, you should claim Incapacity Benefit.

Periods on Jobseeker's Allowance when sick will not count towards the qualifying period for the higher rates of Incapacity Benefit.

If you are not sure whether periods of sickness affect your entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance, ask your Employment Service Adviser for further guidance.