People often skip this because they assume savings or a working partner rule them out. For New Style JSA, they do not: it is based on your National Insurance record.
Quick facts
- 25 or over
- Up to £95.55 a week
- Under 25
- Up to £75.65 a week
- For
- Up to 182 days
- Paid
- Every two weeks
- Based on
- Your National Insurance contributions
- Backdating
- Up to three months, if you could not claim sooner
Who can get it — the full rules
You must be unemployed, or working less than 16 hours a week on average, and have paid enough National Insurance contributions.
If you work a few hours, you must not earn more than £85.50 a week if you are 25 or over, or £66.70 if you are under 25.
How much you get
- Under 25: up to £75.65 a week
- 25 or over: up to £95.55 a week
Payments are usually every two weeks, for up to 182 days.
How to claim
Claim online through nidirect. You can ask for your claim to be backdated by up to three months if you could not claim sooner.
Within five working days you will get a phone call to book an interview with a work coach. The number may be withheld or start with 0800, so answer it, or your claim may be delayed.
Lost a job in the Republic?
If you live in Northern Ireland and worked across the border, read our cross-border workers guide. It explains which country you claim from.
Common questions
How much is New Style JSA in Northern Ireland?
Up to £95.55 a week if you are 25 or over, or up to £75.65 if you are under 25.
How long can I get New Style JSA?
Up to 182 days.
Do savings affect New Style JSA?
No. Your savings, and your partner's income and savings, do not affect how much you are paid.
Can New Style JSA be backdated?
Yes, by up to three months, if you were not able to claim sooner.