As in the case of all other social assistance payments, unemployment assistance is subject to a means test. For the purpose of assessing means, account is taken of the claimant's own means and in the case of a couple the joint means are assessed, including income from insurable earnings. In the case of a claimant, any income from insurable earnings is in general assessed at 60% of net income. Where a spouse or partner of a claimant has income from insurable employment, the means test is based on net income less certain disregards depending on the number of days worked:
Working 3 days or less per week – £30 plus appropriate travel costs
Working 4 or more days per week – £70 standard allowance.