Leaflet B - Jobseeker's Benefit
Jobseeker's Allowance - Can You Claim?Although there are some situations under which you may be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, most 16-17 year olds are excluded from this benefit. The government instead offer a guarantee of a place on a training programme to those who are unemployed.
If you have recently left school or college, you may be able to claim Jobseeker’sAllowance from the end of the holidays after your last term at school or college. This may be claimed for up to 3 or 4 months (during something known as the Child Benefit Extension period) if you are:
>no longer living with parents/carers for a good reason.
This might be because:
>the relationship between you has completely broken down (i.e. you are estranged), or
>you are in danger if you remain living with them (physical or moral danger or serious risk to physical or mental health), or
>you have no parent or person acting as a parent ,or
>your parents are unable to support you financially because they are sick or disabled, in prison/custody or unable to live in this country.
>living as part of a couple and your partner is 16/17 (and registered for work and training) or is 18 or older.
You may also claim for up to 8 weeks if you have recently left custody and you are living away from home for a good reason, or you have recently left care. In most instances, to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, you will need to get form ES9/ES11 from your local Connexions Office before you go to the Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus.
Severe Hardship
Once the Child Benefit Extension period has ended there are some other circumstances under which you may be able to claim. This is if you can show that you are suffering ‘severe hardship’. For example, you may need to claim because you live away from home for a good reason and have no money, or you live at home but your family cannot support you. When deciding on whether you are in severe hardship, Job Centre staff will consider these main areas:
>where you live and whether this is a risk.
>whether you have enough money to support yourself or if someone else could support you.
>whether you have any health problems or a disability.
>whether you are vulnerable for any reason and therefore at risk.
In a small number of cases, there are also some other circumstances under which you may receive Jobseeker’s Allowance, providing that no other benefits are in payment to you.
These include:
>If you are temporarily laid off work but expect to go back to your job within 13 weeks.
>If you are within 8 weeks of joining one of the Armed Forces.
>If you are part of a couple with a child.
Benefit Sanctions
Sometimes, you could lose your benefit if: you don’t apply for work and training, or if you leave a job or training scheme without good reason, or if you are dismissed for misconduct. If this happens, your benefit could be stopped, or paid at a lower rate. Please ask for further details at your local Job Centre/ Job Centre Plus.
DISCLAIMER:
Connexions Surrey has made every attempt to ensure that the above general information is correct. However, decisions on Benefit payments is the responsibility of the Benefits Agency.
Surrey Connexions cannot be held responsible for any decisions that do not appear to be consistent with the information contained in this leaflet.
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