Glossary · UK
What is Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)?
A benefit for people who are unemployed and looking for work, available as contribution-based New Style JSA or as part of a Universal Credit claim.
Full Definition
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) supports people who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week on average while they look for work. Most new claimants now apply for New Style JSA, a contribution-based benefit that depends on National Insurance contributions paid (usually Class 1) in the two full tax years before the claim, rather than on savings or a partner's income. For 2026/27 the standard weekly rate is up to £75.65 for someone under 25 and up to £95.55 for someone aged 25 or over, in line with the equivalent age-related rates for Universal Credit and New Style ESA. New Style JSA is normally paid for up to 182 days (roughly six months), after which a claimant who still needs support typically has to rely on Universal Credit instead, and claimants must accept a Claimant Commitment setting out the job-search activity expected of them, with sanctions (a reduction or suspension of payment) possible if commitments are not met without good reason. JSA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit, in which case the JSA amount is deducted from the Universal Credit award rather than paid on top of it.