What are the differences between the two types of JSA?

[FineNdandy]

Contribution based and the other one?

[FineNdandy]

.

[rantothehills]

have a look on direct.gov.uk or jobcentreplus and explains quite clearly. For contributions based one you have to have made enough NICS recently to be eligible

[Mumcentreplus]

Conts based JSA is based on the fact you have worked for the last 2 years or been credited national insurance for those years...you are then allowed 182 days approx 6mths of Conts JSA...once your Conts have run out you can then apply for Income Based JSA this is based on your income and savings.

[BlueIsTheColour]

A person must have worked - credited NI conts on thjeir own won't help you get contribution-based JSA. If you make a claim now the tax years we will look at to see if you have paid/been credited with enough contributions are the 2006/07 and 2007/08 tax years.
You can also have JSA(C) and (IB) together - although you only actually receive the higher amount. It is usually best to claim both at the outset (unles you live with a partner who works full time/claims another benefit) as claiming JSA(IB) at a later date if you don't qualify for JSA(C) wil affect when you may be paid from.

RTTH has best advice - go on directgov. Alternatively the Jobcentre Plus site will give you details and you can download the leaflet there which should give you the basics.
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_015482.pdf