Estimate New Style JSA and your Universal Credit standard allowance. Pick your age band and household to see the weekly and monthly figures — and how JSA offsets UC.
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New Style JSA is £75.65/wk (under 25) or £95.55/wk (25+), up to 26 weeks. Universal Credit standard allowance is monthly. JSA counts as income and reduces UC £-for-£.
=UC standard allowance/ month
£424.90
New Style JSA (weekly)£95.55
JSA max duration26
UC standard allowance£424.90
Monthly totalafter JSA offset
£414
New Style JSA counts as income and reduces UC £-for-£.
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Last updated: 12 July 2026. There are two tracks. New Style JSA (contribution-based) pays £75.65/week (under 25) or £95.55/week (25 or over) for up to 26 weeks. Universal Credit pays a monthly standard allowance (from 7 April 2026): single £338.58 (under 25) / £424.90 (25+), couple £528.34 / £666.97. New Style JSA counts as income and reduces UC £-for-£. Source: DWP — Benefit and pension rates 2026/2027.
⚖︎ Results are for informational purposes and do not constitute tax advice. For specific situations, consult a licensed accountant or the relevant tax authority.
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iHow it is calculated
If you have paid enough Class 1 National Insurance in the last two tax years, New Style JSA pays a flat weekly rate by age band for up to 26 weeks — it is not means-tested. Universal Credit is means-tested and pays a monthly standard allowance by age and household. You can claim both, but New Style JSA counts as income and reduces your UC pound for pound, so you do not simply add them together.
UC total = UC standard allowance − New Style JSA
A single claimant aged 30 gets New Style JSA £95.55/week (≈ £414/month) for up to 26 weeks, and a Universal Credit standard allowance of £424.90/month. Because JSA counts as income, UC is reduced by the JSA amount, leaving about £11/month of UC on top — a combined total near the higher of the two, not their sum.
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?Frequently asked questions
What is New Style Jobseeker's Allowance?
New Style JSA is a contribution-based benefit for people looking for work. It depends on your National Insurance record, not your savings or a partner's income, and is paid every two weeks for up to 26 weeks.
How much is New Style JSA in 2026/27?
£75.65 a week if you are under 25, or £95.55 a week if you are 25 or over. It is paid for a maximum of 182 days (about 26 weeks).
What is the Universal Credit standard allowance?
A monthly amount that depends on age and household: single under 25 £338.58, single 25 or over £424.90, couple where both are under 25 £528.34, and couple where one is 25 or over £666.97 (from 7 April 2026).
Can I get JSA and Universal Credit at the same time?
Yes, but New Style JSA counts as income for Universal Credit and reduces it pound for pound. You do not simply add the two together — the JSA is deducted from your UC award.
How long does New Style JSA last?
It is paid for up to 182 days (about 26 weeks or six months) in one claim, provided you keep meeting the conditions and are available for and actively seeking work.
Is Jobseeker's Allowance taxable?
Yes, New Style JSA is taxable income and can affect your tax for the year. Universal Credit is not taxable.
Do I need to have paid National Insurance?
For New Style JSA you generally need enough Class 1 NI contributions in the last two complete tax years. If you do not qualify, Universal Credit may still be available depending on your circumstances.
Is Universal Credit means-tested?
Yes. It takes into account savings and capital (reduced above £6,000, usually no entitlement above £16,000), earnings and a partner's income, so your actual award may be lower than the standard allowance.
When do the 2026/27 rates apply from?
The uprated New Style JSA and Universal Credit rates apply from 7 April 2026 for the 2026/27 benefit year.
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