How much is Jobseeker’s Allowance in 2026/27?
The amount of New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, commonly called New Style JSA, depends on your age. The official GOV.UK benefit-rate schedule applying from 6 April 2026 sets the following maximum personal rates.
| Age | Weekly maximum | Typical two-week maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | £75.65 | £151.30 |
| 25 or over | £95.55 | £191.10 |
The fortnightly figures are the GOV.UK weekly rates multiplied by two; GOV.UK says New Style JSA is usually paid every two weeks. Your first payment may differ because it can cover a different period or include deductions.
Check the award notice, not only the bank payment. The published rate is a maximum. Part-time earnings, pension income, sanctions or deductions can reduce what reaches your account.
Which type of JSA can you claim?
Most new claims are for New Style JSA. GOV.UK says eligibility normally depends on having paid, or been credited with, enough Class 1 National Insurance contributions during the relevant tax years.
New Style JSA is not means-tested against a partner’s earnings or household savings, although your own earnings and certain pension income can affect payment. This makes it different from Universal Credit, which assesses household circumstances and capital.
Income-based JSA is a legacy benefit and is not generally available for new claims because Universal Credit has replaced it for working-age means-tested support. Existing legacy claimants should follow any formal DWP migration notice rather than ending a claim without advice.
If you need help with rent or wider living costs as well as unemployment support, check Universal Credit eligibility and use the SupportFund benefits calculator before deciding what to claim.
How long can New Style JSA be paid?
GOV.UK states that contribution-based New Style JSA can usually be paid for up to 182 days. Payment can end sooner if you cease to meet the work-search conditions, start work that makes you ineligible or receive a sanction.
You must normally be available for work, take agreed steps to find work and keep to your claimant commitment. The DWP can tailor requirements where health, caring responsibilities or other relevant circumstances affect what is reasonable.
Practical tip: Keep copies of applications, interview invitations and messages to employers. Update your online journal or provide evidence in the format requested by your work coach, especially if illness or an emergency prevents you attending an appointment.
When the New Style JSA time limit is reached, you may still qualify for Universal Credit if your household income and capital meet its rules. An entitlement check can also identify Council Tax Support, which is administered separately by local authorities.
Why might your JSA payment be lower?
The headline rate is not guaranteed. GOV.UK says New Style JSA may be reduced by earnings from part-time work, pension income, sanctions, benefit overpayment recovery or other authorised deductions.
GOV.UK states that an occupational or personal pension above £50 a week can reduce contribution-based or New Style JSA. Report pension payments and changes promptly so the DWP can calculate the award correctly.
- Part-time earnings: report hours, gross pay and pay dates to the DWP; earnings can reduce JSA.
- Pension income: provide the DWP with pension statements where requested.
- Sanctions: ask for the written decision and consider a mandatory reconsideration if you believe it is wrong.
- Overpayments: check whether the deduction and outstanding balance match the DWP notice.
If a reduced payment leaves you unable to afford essentials, SupportFund’s emergency help guide can point you towards local authority support, food assistance and regulated debt advice.
How to claim and check the calculation
Claims for New Style JSA can be started through GOV.UK. You will usually need identity details, employment information, bank details and evidence relevant to your National Insurance record or pension income.
- Apply promptly and answer the contribution and employment questions accurately.
- Attend or complete the DWP appointment and agree realistic work-search requirements.
- Compare the award notice with the applicable 6 April 2026 GOV.UK rate.
- Report work, earnings, pension or availability changes without delay.
- Challenge a decision through mandatory reconsideration if you think the DWP used incorrect facts.
New Style JSA does not itself include extra amounts for rent, children or a partner. Depending on household circumstances, Universal Credit, Council Tax Support or local welfare assistance may provide additional help.
Rates and rules can change. Before acting, confirm the current figures and eligibility conditions on GOV.UK or with the DWP.