JOBSEEKERS ALLOWANCE

What is Jobseeker's Allowance?

• Jobseeker's Allowance is for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week, and are available for, and actively looking for work.

Can I Claim Jobseeker's Allowance?

Leaflets JSA8 and JSA L5

• As an unemployed 16 or 17 year old you cannot normally receive Jobseeker's Allowance. This is because you are guaranteed a training place with a training allowance or wage. However in certain circumstances you can receive Jobseeker's Allowance for a short period, for example if you:
• Are forced to live away from your parents or
• Will suffer severe hardship if Jobseeker's Allowance is not paid

For a full list of circumstances ask at your local Job Centre.

Benefits and job hunting

What do I do when I start looking for work and training?

First step: a Gloucestershire Connexions Shop

• Go to your local Connexions shop to register for training and employment. You cannot normally receive Jobseeker's allowance if you do not do this. Connexions will arrange to interview you to give you information and guidance on training education and employment. They will give you a referral form to take with you to the Job Centre which you must then visit to make your claim.

Second step: the Job Centre

• Most Job Centres run an appointment system for making claims. You can make an appointment for a Jobseeker's interview by going in to the Job Centre. You will be asked about your circumstances, so remember to tell them if you are 16 or 17.
• The staff there will give you information about what you have to do to claim Jobseeker's Allowance, and advice about other courses of action you can take.
• When you go to the Job Centre take your:
• Connexions referral form
• National insurance number
• P45 from your last job (if you have one).
• Once you have made your appointment for your Jobseeker's interview you will be given a claim pack to complete before your interview. You can get help at the Job Centre to complete the form if you need it.
• At your Jobseeker's interview your adviser will:
• Make sure you understand the conditions for receiving Jobseekers Allowance;
• Discuss the types of work and training you are looking for and the best ways of finding what you want;
• Discuss with you and draw up a Jobseeker's agreement and;
• Check you have completed the claim form fully and provided all the information needed to work out your claim;
• Give you a copy of booklet ES40. Ensure you read this carefully and understand it. You will have to sign to say that you have read the information and that you meet the conditions for Jobseekers Allowance. Take it with you every time you go to the Job Centre.
• If necessary you will be interviewed to see if you would suffer severe hardship if you do not receive Jobseekers Allowance.

What happens next?

• If you are entitled to Jobseekers Allowance you will normally be paid every two weeks in arrears.
• Your allowance will be paid direct into your bank or building society account including Girobank.