If you are comparing ESA, JSA, and migration decisions with Universal Credit, start with the Legacy Benefits Hub for the complete pathway.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week and actively seeking work. Here are the rates for 2026/27.
JSA Rates 2026/27
New Style JSA (Contribution-Based)
| Age | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| 18-24 | £71.70 |
| 25 or over | £90.50 |
New style JSA is:
- Based on National Insurance contributions (not income or savings)
- Paid for up to 182 days (6 months)
- Available to claim alongside Universal Credit
Income-Based JSA (Legacy — Mostly Closed)
Income-based JSA has been replaced by Universal Credit in most areas. If you’re still receiving it:
| Your Situation | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|
| Single, 18-24 | £71.70 |
| Single, 25 or over | £90.50 |
| Couple, both 18+ | £142.25 |
| Lone parent, 18+ | £90.50 |
Who Qualifies for New Style JSA
To claim new style JSA, you must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment status | Not working, or working less than 16 hours/week |
| National Insurance | Paid enough NI contributions in the last 2-3 years |
| Availability | Available to work and actively seeking employment |
| Age | 18 or over (up to State Pension age) |
| UK residence | Living in the UK |
National Insurance Requirement
You need Class 1 NI contributions (from employment) in one of the 2 tax years before the benefit year in which you claim.
The benefit year runs from the first Sunday in January. So for claims in 2026, contributions in 2023/24 or 2024/25 count.
New Style JSA vs Universal Credit
| New Style JSA | Universal Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Means-tested | No | Yes |
| Based on | NI contributions | Income and savings |
| Duration | 182 days max | Unlimited while eligible |
| Covers housing | No | Yes |
| Covers children | No | Yes |
| Can claim both | Yes | Yes |
Many people claim both — new style JSA plus UC. The JSA is deducted pound-for-pound from UC, but it may give faster initial payment.
How Long Can You Claim JSA?
| JSA Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| New style JSA | Up to 182 days (6 months) per unemployment period |
| Income-based JSA | Indefinite (but now closed to new claims) |
After 182 days of new style JSA, you’d continue on Universal Credit alone.
If you return to work and pay enough NI, you can claim new style JSA again in a future unemployment period.
JSA and Other Benefits
Universal Credit
You can claim new style JSA alongside UC. The JSA payment is deducted from your UC calculation, but:
- JSA may arrive faster (no 5-week wait)
- JSA gives NI credits
- The combination often results in the same total payment
National Insurance Credits
Receiving JSA gives you Class 1 NI credits, protecting your State Pension.
Council Tax Reduction
JSA recipients typically qualify for Council Tax Reduction — apply to your local council.
Housing Benefit
If you’re in temporary/supported accommodation not covered by UC, you may still claim Housing Benefit alongside JSA.
How to Claim New Style JSA
Online: GOV.UK/jobseekers-allowance
By phone: 0800 169 0190
What You Need
- National Insurance number
- Bank account details
- Details of your most recent employer
- P45 from your last job (if available)
Requirements While Claiming
To keep receiving JSA, you must:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Claimant commitment | Agree to your personalised plan for finding work |
| Job search | Spend up to 35 hours/week looking for work |
| Appointments | Attend Jobcentre appointments when required |
| Accept reasonable jobs | After 3 months, you must consider wider job options |
Sanctions
If you don’t meet requirements without good reason, your JSA can be reduced or stopped (sanctioned):
| Sanction Level | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lower | 1 week |
| Intermediate | 4 weeks, 13 weeks for repeat |
| Higher | 13 weeks, up to 3 years for repeat |
Premiums (Income-Based JSA Only)
If you’re still on income-based JSA, premiums may be added:
| Premium | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Disability premium (single) | £42.50 |
| Enhanced disability premium | £20.85 |
| Severe disability premium | £81.50 |
| Carer premium | £45.60 |
These are legacy rates for those still on income-based JSA. New claims go to UC instead.
Rate History
| Tax Year | Under 25 | 25 or Over |
|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | £71.70 | £90.50 |
| 2025/26 | £71.70 | £90.50 |
| 2024/25 | £71.70 | £90.50 |
| 2023/24 | £67.20 | £84.80 |
| 2022/23 | £61.05 | £77.00 |
Related Guides
- Universal Credit Rates 2026/27
- First Time Claiming Universal Credit
- Universal Credit Appeal Guide
- Free Debt Advice UK
Summary
| 2026/27 | |
|---|---|
| Age 18-24 | £71.70/week |
| Age 25+ | £90.50/week |
| Couples (income-based) | £142.25/week |
| Duration (new style) | Up to 182 days |
| Means-tested | No (new style); Yes (income-based) |
| NI credits | Yes |
| Can claim with UC | Yes |