New Style Jobseeker's Allowance – claim when you lose your job

If you're looking for work and have paid Class 1 National Insurance for the previous 2 tax years, you may be entitled to New Style JSA for up to 182 days (about 6 months). You could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead.

Deadline

No fixed deadline

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 20 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? There is no fixed deadline. Claim as soon as you stop working so you do not miss out.

New Style Jobseeker's Allowance is a benefit for people looking for work in Great Britain. It is based on your National Insurance contributions. Northern Ireland has different rules on nidirect.

How to do it

1. Check if you're eligible: you must be 18 or over, below State Pension age, and not working 16 or more hours a week.
2. Check that you paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions for the previous 2 tax years. A credit can fill one of those years.
3. Make a claim online on GOV.UK.
4. Go to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus office and agree your Claimant Commitment.
5. Check if you can also get Universal Credit, for example to help with housing costs.

Common questions

How long can I get New Style JSA?

Up to 182 days (about 6 months). After that, talk to your work coach about your options.

Can I get New Style JSA and Universal Credit at the same time?

Yes. You could get Universal Credit at the same time as New Style JSA, or instead of it.

Can I get JSA if I was self-employed?

Usually not if you only paid Class 2 contributions. New Style JSA needs Class 1 contributions from employment.

Official source: gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.