JSA calculator
New-style Jobseeker's Allowance pays a flat weekly rate set by age, not by past earnings, under the gov.uk Jobseeker's Allowance rules. From April 2026 it is £75.65 a week under 25 and £95.55 a week from 25, paid for up to 182 days. A private pension above £50 a week reduces it pound for pound.
How much is new-style JSA a week in 2026/27?
New-style JSA pays a single weekly rate based on age, not on former salary. Per gov.uk, the rate is £75.65 a week for a claimant under 25 and £95.55 a week for a claimant aged 25 or over. To qualify, a claimant usually needs 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, savings and a partner's earnings do not change the amount.
Two things can still reduce the payment. Per gov.uk, a private or occupational pension over £50 a week cuts the payment by £1 for each £1 above that line. Earnings from part-time work can reduce it as well. The payment lasts up to 182 days, which gov.uk states is about 6 months. Many people also claim Universal Credit, and in that case the JSA counts as income against the UC award. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an award, and a calculator result is not evidence of entitlement.
How much would I get with a pension of £90 a week?
A claimant aged 40 with a full National Insurance record and no private pension receives the full £95.55 a week, under the gov.uk rate for that age group. Over the maximum 182-day claim, about 6 months, that comes to roughly ££2,484.30. If that claimant also drew a private pension of £90 a week, the £40 above the £50 disregard would cut JSA by £40 a week, leaving £55.55 a week. National Insurance credits still build up 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.
How much would I get with a pension of £90 a week?
A claimant aged 25 or over with no deductions gets the full £95.55 a week, according to gov.uk. A private pension of £90 a week is £40 above the £50 disregard, so JSA is cut by £40 a week to £55.55. Over the maximum 182-day claim that comes to roughly ££1,444.30 in total. National Insurance credits still build up even though the weekly payment is reduced.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.