JSA calculator
New-style Jobseeker's Allowance is a flat weekly amount set by your age, based on your National Insurance record. Enter your details to see the rate and any pension deduction.
How new-style JSA is worked out
New-style JSA pays a single weekly rate based on your age, not your former salary. It is £75.65 a week under 25 and £95.55 from 25. To qualify you usually need to have paid or been credited with enough Class 1 National Insurance in the last two to three tax years. Because it is contribution-based, your savings and a partner's earnings do not change the amount.
Two things can still reduce it. A private or occupational pension over £50 a week cuts the payment by £1 for each £1 above that line, and earnings from part-time work can reduce it too. The payment lasts up to 182 days, about 6 months. Many people claim Universal Credit as well, in which case the JSA counts as income against the UC award.
Worked example
Someone aged 40 with a full National Insurance record and no private pension gets the full £95.55 a week, about ££2,484.30 across the 6 months. If they also drew a private pension of £90 a week, the £40 above the £50 limit would cut JSA by £40 a week, leaving £55.55. Claiming still earns National Insurance credits either way.
Common questions
How much is new-style JSA a week in 2026/27?
New-style Jobseeker's Allowance is £75.65 a week if you are under 25, or £95.55 a week if you are 25 or over. It is a flat personal rate, not linked to your past earnings.
Is new-style JSA affected by my savings or my partner?
No. New-style JSA is contribution-based, so it depends on your National Insurance record from the last two to three tax years, not on your savings or a partner's income. This is what sets it apart from means-tested Universal Credit.
How long can I get new-style JSA?
It is paid for up to 182 days, which is about 6 months. After that it stops even if you are still looking for work, though you may be able to claim Universal Credit instead or alongside it.
Can a private pension reduce my JSA?
Yes. A private or occupational pension of more than £50 a week reduces new-style JSA by £1 for every £1 above that limit. A pension below the limit does not affect it at all.
Should I still claim if I will get nothing?
It can still be worth claiming new-style JSA even if the payment is reduced to nothing, because a successful claim gives you Class 1 National Insurance credits. Those credits help protect your State Pension and can matter for other benefits later.