Benefits Calculator – what are you entitled to?
Our Benefits Calculator can help you to find out what you could be claiming, quickly and easily.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit for people who are looking for work. It's now only possible to make a new claim for New Style JSA.
New Style JSA (also known as 'contribution-based JSA') is extra money to help you cover your living costs while you're looking for a job. It's based on your National Insurance contributions over the past 2 to 3 years. It can be claimed either on its own or with Universal Credit.
How much you'll get depends on your age. The maximum weekly rates for 2024/25 are as follows:
If you already receive income-based JSA, you can continue to do so but you'll be moved to Universal Credit in the next year or so.
Find out more about eligibility for income-based JSA on GOV.UK
To qualify for New Style JSA, you must:
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
There are a couple of ways you can claim New Style JSA. You can:
Later in the application process, you'll have an interview with your local Jobcentre Plus. You can contact them in advance if you need any support because of a disability or health condition.
You can bring a relative or friend along to your interview for support, too.
During the interview, your adviser will write out a Jobseeker’s Agreement (also known as a ‘claimant commitment’). In it, you'll set out the type of work you want and agree on the steps you'll take to find a job.
If your adviser feels you’re not keeping to your Jobseeker's Agreement then your benefit could be reduced or stopped altogether.
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.
Our Benefits Calculator can help you to find out what you could be claiming, quickly and easily.
Each April, there are changes to some benefits. Find out what's changing for 2024-25.
Support for Mortgage Interest is a loan that helps to pay towards the interest on a mortgage or other home improvements.
If you can't work because of an illness or disability you might be able to claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA).