What is New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (New Style JSA)?

What is New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (New Style JSA)?

The front cover of a JSA leaflet

New Style Jobseekers Allowance (New Style JSA) is the name of a benefit that some people who are looking for work can get.   

A pile of notes and change, a house, energy bills and a person shopping next to a receipt

The money is to help to pay for your living costs when you are looking for work.  

Living costs include things like rent , food and bills.   

An income-related JSA leaflet with a red cross over it

Some people get a benefit called income-related Jobseekers Allowance. 

An income-related JSA leaflet with a red cross over it

You can not make a new claim for income-related Jobseekers Allowance. 

A young woman reading an Easy Read booklet

This Easy Read is about New Style JSA.

A map of the UK with people

Who can get New Style JSA? 

You can get New Style JSA if you:  

  • live in the UK  
  • are 18 or over (you can sometimes get New Style JSA if you are 16 or 17)
  • are under the state pension age
  • are not working at the moment, or
  • are working less than 16 hours per week most of the time 
A man is holding out his hand in front of three people who are sat facing him. He is next to a flip chart which says Welcome to your new job.

You must be able to start work if you find a job. 

A wage packet with money

You must have:

  • had paid work
  • paid Class 1 National Insurance or had National Insurance credits in the last 2 to 3 years. 
A brown envelope with a National Insurance letter coming out of it. Underneath the envelope is £242 and an upward pointing arrow.

You pay Class 1 National Insurance if you earn more than £242 a week from 1 job. 

A woman looks uncomfortable and is holding her head and her stomach

You might get National Insurance credits if you are unable to work because you are ill or are looking after someone. 

A young woman with a back pack and carrying books is standing in a classroom

You must not:

  • have a disability or health condition that stops you from working
  • be in full–time education
A man with a birthday card stands next to a downward arrow and the words 24 years

How much is New Style JSA? 

If you are 24 years old or under, you will get up to £67.20 per week. 

A man with a birthday card stands next to a upward arrow and the words 25 years

If you are 25 years old or over, you will get up to £84.80 per week.