New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) explained
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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.
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: www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance
Skip this if: 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.
Last reviewed:
Read the full benefits & tax guide →Quick answer: What is New Style JSA? →Primary source: www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance
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.
Common 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.