Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit Explained

New Style Jobseeker's Allowance pays up to £75.65 a week if you're under 25, or up to £95.55 if you're 25 or over, for up to 182 days.

The useful thing about it is that it's based on your National Insurance record rather than your household income. Savings don't affect it and a working partner doesn't rule you out, which makes it worth checking if you've just left service with a lump sum behind you.

Tax credits ended on 5 April 2025. Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit no longer exist and no payments are made under either — Universal Credit replaced them.

You can claim New Style JSA on its own, or alongside Universal Credit if you qualify for both. In that case your JSA counts as income when your Universal Credit is worked out.

Who is eligible?

For New Style JSA you need to be under State Pension age, out of work or working fewer than 16 hours a week on average, and to have paid or been credited with enough Class 1 National Insurance in the two to three tax years being assessed. Time in the armed forces counts towards that.

You also need to be capable of work, available for it and actively looking, and you'll agree a Claimant Commitment setting out what that means in practice.

Universal Credit works the opposite way round. It's means-tested on household income and capital, ignores your National Insurance record, and covers things JSA doesn't — housing costs, children and caring responsibilities.

What benefits does this provide?

  • New Style JSA rates: Up to £75.65 a week if you are under 25, and up to £95.55 a week if you are 25 or over.
  • Paid for up to 182 days: About six months. After that you discuss your options with your work coach.
  • Not means-tested: Savings and a partner's income do not affect New Style JSA, unlike Universal Credit.
  • National Insurance credits: A JSA claim keeps your NI record up to date, which protects your State Pension entitlement.
  • Universal Credit instead of tax credits: Universal Credit now covers what Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit used to, including help with childcare costs and extra amounts for children.
  • You can claim both: If you qualify for JSA and Universal Credit, you can receive both — your JSA counts as income in the Universal Credit calculation.

How do I apply?

  • Do not look for a tax credits claim form: Tax credits ended on 5 April 2025. There is no helpline to ring and no form to request — claim Universal Credit instead.
  • Check your National Insurance record: New Style JSA depends on it. You can view your record on GOV.UK before you apply.
  • Apply for New Style JSA online: Claim at gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance, or by phone if you cannot apply online.
  • Attend your Jobcentre Plus appointment: You agree a Claimant Commitment with a work coach setting out what you will do to look for work. Missing agreed steps can lead to a sanction.
  • Claim Universal Credit if you need help with housing or children: Apply at gov.uk/universal-credit. Claim both if you qualify for both.
  • Use a benefits calculator first: An independent calculator listed on GOV.UK will show which combination is worth most in your circumstances.
  • Get free help if you need it: The Royal British Legion, SSAFA and Citizens Advice help with claims and with challenging a decision, at no cost.

Common questions

How much is Jobseeker's Allowance a week?

New Style JSA pays up to £75.65 a week if you are under 25 and up to £95.55 if you are 25 or over, for up to 182 days.

Have tax credits ended?

Yes. Tax credits ended on 5 April 2025. Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit no longer exist and Universal Credit has replaced them.

Do savings affect Jobseeker's Allowance?

Not for New Style JSA, which depends on your National Insurance record rather than your income, so savings and a partner's earnings are irrelevant. They do affect Universal Credit.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO