Job Seeker's Allowance

> Most young people under the age of 18 cannot claim this benefit. The government instead pledge a guarantee of a training programme to those who are unemployed.
> It is expected that parent(s)/carer(s) will provide support until a suitable job or training programme is secured. There are, however, some situations where 16/17 year olds can apply (please refer to Leaflet B
for full details of eligibility).
> In most instances, any 16/17 year old who qualifies for Jobseeker's Allowance will need to meet these requirements:

> To attend their local careers/ Connexions office as agreed in their Jobseeker's Agreement.
> To attend any interviews offered.
> To apply for both jobs and training programmes.
> To take up a suitable offer of employment or training.

> The Under-18's Officer at the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus will check with Connexions staff to make sure that the above conditions are being met by individuals.

Making a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance -

> Before making a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance at the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus, a 16/17 year old should attend their local Connexions office to collect a Form ES9 (or ES11).
> This may involve undergoing a careers interview with a Connexions Adviser (lasting up to 45 minutes).
> The Form ES9 is completed on the young person's behalf and should then be taken to the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus.
> In certain circumstances, an ES11 may be issued by Connexions office staff and a future appointment will be arranged so that the ES9 can subsequently be completed.
> If the young person also satisfies the criteria to claim Bridging Allowance, then a Form BA1 will be issued along with the ES9/ES11. The young person is not, however, entitled to claim both benefits at the same
time (they will initially be assessed by Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus staff to find out if Bridging Allowance is enough for them to live on).
> When the young person attends the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus, they will need to collect a JSA1 pack which includes forms to start their claim. They will usually be offered an appointment to return to the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus for an in-depth interview with the Under-18's Officer.
> This initial interview can last for up to one-and-a-half hours.
> Jobseeker's Allowance is paid at two different weekly rates (Higher
or Lower depending on the young person's circumstances). As with Bridging Allowance, the young person will be required to sign-on at the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus on a fortnightly basis whilst this benefit is in payment.

See Guidance Leaflets – B,  E,  F, and  H

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