# New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) explained

> Benefits & tax · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## Quick answer

New Style JSA is a National Insurance contribution-based payment if you are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours and looking for work. In 2026/27 it is £75.65 a week under 25 and £95.55 at 25 or over, usually for up to 182 days. You can claim it with Universal Credit. Income-based JSA is closed to new claims.

## Who should skip this

Skip this if you are too ill to look for work (New Style ESA or UC with a health element) or you only need housing help (Universal Credit). This is not a jobcentre appointment booking service.

New Style JSA pays because of your NI record, not your savings. You must be available for and actively seeking work, and accept a Claimant Commitment. Official: https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance

## Key facts

- Weekly rates 2026/27 match New Style ESA personal allowances: £75.65 under 25, £95.55 at 25+
- Usually paid for up to 26 weeks (182 days) if you meet the contribution conditions
- You must be available for work and take agreed jobsearch steps
- You can get New Style JSA and Universal Credit together; JSA reduces UC pound for pound as unearned income

## Who can get New Style JSA?

You usually need enough Class 1 NI in recent tax years, to be in Great Britain, under State Pension age, and not in full-time education. Working 16 hours or more a week normally stops JSA.

If you do not have the NI record, claim Universal Credit instead. Mixed-age couples follow UC rules unless they are on Pension Credit.

## How do I claim?

Apply on GOV.UK. You will have a jobcentre interview and a Claimant Commitment. Sanctions can cut the weekly amount if you miss agreed steps without good reason.

If you become too ill to look for work, tell DWP — you may need to move to New Style ESA or a UC health journey rather than stay on JSA.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does JSA affect Housing Benefit?

Most working-age renters claim the UC housing element, not new Housing Benefit. New Style JSA is income for UC. Pension-age Housing Benefit is a different route.

### Can I get JSA after redundancy?

Yes if you meet the NI and jobsearch tests. Statutory redundancy pay is capital for UC, not a bar to New Style JSA by itself. See [statutory redundancy](/work-earnings/statutory-redundancy-rights/).

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance

## Related

- [New Style ESA](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/new-style-esa-explained/)
- [Universal Credit explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/universal-credit-explained/)
- [Redundancy pay calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/redundancy-pay-calculator/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.