'New Style' Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week and who are seeking work.

'New Style' JSA is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit (UC).

To be entitled to 'New Style' JSA you must have paid national insurance contributions over a certain number of years, normally 2 full tax years before the year you're claiming in.

If you qualify, you can get 'New Style' JSA for up to 182 days. After this your work coach will talk to you about your options.

If you qualify for both 'New Style' JSA and Universal Credit, any 'New Style' JSA you receive will be taken into account as income for Universal Credit.

Your savings and capital (or your partner's savings, capital and income) are not taken into account when claiming 'New Style' JSA. However, your earnings and any payment you are getting from a pension can affect the amount you may receive.

Am I Eligible for 'New Style' JSA?

To be entitled to 'New Style' JSA you must meet the following basic qualifying conditions:

  • You are either unemployed or work less than 16 hours per week
  • You do not have a limited capability for work
  • Be aged between 16 or over, and under state pension age
  • You are not in full time education
  • Be in Great Britain and satisfy the Habitual residence test
  • Must satisfy the National Insurance Contribution conditions
  • You are not in getting Severe Disability Premium, or received this in the last month and are still eligible for it.

How do I claim?

Apply either online or by telephone:

Jobcentre Plus

What you need to bring to your appointment

You'll need to bring the following to your appointment:

  • proof of your identity
  • proof of address
  • proof of date of birth
  • your P45 (if you have one)

Examples include your:

  • current passport
  • driving licence
  • biometric residence permit
  • certificate of naturalisation as a British citizen
  • permanent residence card

Check your claim form to see what documents you can use to prove your identity and address.

You'll be told if you need to bring any other documents to your appointment.