UK Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Calculator
New Style JSA is a contribution-based benefit worth £90.50/week (2026-27, age 25+) for up to 26 weeks if you've paid enough Class 1 NICs in the last 2 tax years. Calculate your entitlement and how it affects Universal Credit.
What Is Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?
Jobseeker's Allowance is a UK government benefit for people who are unemployed, available for work, and actively looking for a job. There are two distinct schemes per gov.uk JSA guidance:
- New Style JSA — contribution-based, paid for up to 26 weeks. Requires sufficient Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the last 2 tax years. Not means-tested on savings or partner's income.
- Income-based JSA — closed to new claims since 2018. Replaced by Universal Credit for new applicants.
Most current claims are New Style JSA. The 2026-27 weekly rates are £90.50 (age 25+) and £71.70 (under 25), uprated each April per Treasury decision. If you have a partner or children and need help with rent/childcare, claim Universal Credit alongside.
Eligibility — Three Key Tests
Per HMRC and DWP rules, you must:
- Be unemployed or working under 16 hours/week.
- Be actively seeking work. Sign a Claimant Commitment, attend Jobcentre appointments, prove job search. Failure can lead to sanctions reducing or stopping payments.
- NIC contribution test. For New Style JSA, you need to have paid Class 1 NICs in BOTH of the 2 tax years before claiming. Self-employed Class 2 NICs do NOT count for JSA.
Self-employed workers, carers, students, or those without sufficient NIC history typically must claim Universal Credit instead.
JSA + Universal Credit — Stacking Rules
You can claim both New Style JSA and Universal Credit at the same time. Per gov.uk Universal Credit rules, JSA payments are deducted £1-for-£1 from your UC monthly amount — meaning the total stays the same but you get JSA contribution-based protection (it doesn't count savings) plus UC's housing/childcare elements. After 26 weeks, JSA stops, UC continues.
Part-Time Earnings and Sanctions
You can earn up to £20/week without affecting JSA. Above £20, earnings are deducted £1-for-£1 from your weekly JSA. If your earnings exceed your JSA rate, payments stop entirely. Sanctions apply if you miss appointments, refuse suitable work, or fail to follow your Claimant Commitment — typically 1, 4, 13 or 26 weeks of zero or reduced payments per gov.uk sanctions framework.
Sources: gov.uk Jobseeker's Allowance (gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance), DWP rates 2026-27, HMRC NIC rules, Universal Credit Regulations 2013. Last updated 2026-05.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is JSA in 2026-27?
Age 25+: £90.50/week. Under 25: £71.70/week. Rates uprated each April per Treasury decision. Paid for up to 26 weeks under New Style JSA.
Whats the difference between New Style JSA and Universal Credit?
New Style JSA is contribution-based — depends on your NIC history but ignores savings and partner income. Universal Credit is means-tested on savings/income but covers housing/childcare. Most claimants need both.
Do I need to have paid National Insurance?
Yes for New Style JSA — you must have paid Class 1 NICs (employee NICs) in BOTH of the last 2 complete tax years. Self-employed Class 2 NICs do NOT count. Check your record on gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record.
How long can I claim JSA?
New Style JSA pays for a maximum of 26 weeks (6 months). After that you must rely on Universal Credit (means-tested) for ongoing support. Income-based JSA closed to new claims in 2018.
Can I work part-time and claim JSA?
Yes, up to 16 hours/week. The first £20/week of earnings is ignored; above £20 reduces JSA £1-for-£1. If earnings exceed your JSA rate, JSA stops but you can still claim Universal Credit.
What if I refuse a job offer?
You can be sanctioned (1-26 weeks of reduced or zero JSA) for refusing suitable work, missing Jobcentre appointments, or failing to follow your Claimant Commitment. The most common sanction is 4 weeks for first low-level breach.