Check UK Eligibility 🇬🇧
🇬🇧 UK Unemployment · Updated June 2026

💼 JSA

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are unemployed and actively looking for work. New-style JSA is based on your National Insurance contributions and pays up to £84.80/week for up to 26 weeks. Most new income-based claims are now made through Universal Credit instead.

Up to £84.80/week
Benefit amount
Unemployment
Category

Do you qualify?

You may qualify for New Style JSA if you've paid enough National Insurance contributions in the last 2–3 years, are under State Pension age, are available for and actively seeking work, and work fewer than 16 hours per week.

NI contributionsMust have paid Class 1 NI contributions for at least 26 weeks in the 2 full tax years before claiming.
Work hoursMust be working fewer than 16 hours per week.
AvailabilityMust be available for work and actively job searching.
AgeMust be 18+ (some 16–17 year olds qualify) and under State Pension age.
ResidencyMust live in England, Scotland, or Wales. Northern Ireland has separate rules.
Job seekingMust agree to and meet a Claimant Commitment and report job search activity weekly.

How much you could get

New Style JSA (contribution-based) pays a flat rate regardless of income: up to £61.05/week (under 25) or £77.00/week (25+). Income-based JSA has largely been replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants. JSA is usually paid fortnightly and lasts up to 26 weeks. It can be topped up by Universal Credit if your income is low enough.

How to apply — step by step

1

Check if you have enough NI contributions

You need Class 1 NI contributions in the last 2 full tax years. Check your NI record at gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record.

2

Claim online or by phone

Go to gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/how-to-claim. Have your NI number, employment history, and bank details ready. You can also call the Universal Credit helpline: 0800 328 5644.

3

Attend your Jobcentre appointment

You'll have an initial appointment at your local Jobcentre to agree your Claimant Commitment — a personalised plan of job search activities.

4

Sign on and certify fortnightly

Every 2 weeks, you confirm you've been job searching and are still unemployed. You can usually do this online or by phone.

5

Consider claiming Universal Credit too

If you have low or no savings, you may be able to claim Universal Credit on top of New Style JSA to top up your income and get help with housing costs.

Apply on GOV.UK →

Need help while you wait for a decision?

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between New Style JSA and Universal Credit?
New Style JSA is based on your NI contributions and pays a flat rate for up to 26 weeks regardless of income or savings. Universal Credit is means-tested, covers housing costs, and has no time limit. You can claim both simultaneously — JSA counts as income for UC purposes.
What happens after 26 weeks of JSA?
New Style JSA stops after 26 weeks. At this point, you should claim Universal Credit if you haven't already — it has no time limit and covers a wider range of costs including housing.
Do I have to accept any job offered?
You must accept 'reasonable' job offers and your Claimant Commitment sets out what's expected. What's reasonable depends on your circumstances, skills, and how long you've been claiming. Your work coach can advise on your specific obligations.
Will JSA affect my mortgage or rental payments?
New Style JSA doesn't include housing costs. If you're renting, claim Universal Credit for housing cost support. If you have a mortgage, you may qualify for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) after 9 months of claiming.
Can I volunteer while claiming JSA?
Yes. Volunteering is generally allowed while claiming JSA as long as it doesn't affect your availability for work. You must still be able to attend job interviews and start work at short notice.