CAREERS AND BENEFITS SUPPORT

JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE

The New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is available for individuals seeking employment, providing them with financial support during their job search.

The amount you can receive is subject to a maximum limit,but the specific entitlement amount is determined by various factors such as your age, income, and savings.

Up to 24, you can get up to £67.20 a week
25 or over you can get up to £84.80 a week
In a couple and over the age of 18, you can get up to £142.25 a week

Our team of advisors is available to assess the amount of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) you may be eligible for, as well as provide advice and guidance on how your other benefits may be impacted.

The option to apply for income-based JSA is no longer available, but if you currently receive it, you will continue to receive payments until your claim expires, as long as you remain eligible.

You may be eligible for Universal Credit in addition to or instead of New Style JSA. Check your eligibility for Universal Credit.

Applying for income-based JSA is no longer possible, but if you currently receive it, you will continue to receive payments until your claim ends, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

You can receive Universal Credit alongside or instead of New Style JSA. Check your eligibility with our Advice and Guidance advisors to see if you qualify.

WHEN WILL YOU BE PAID?

Normally, your bank, building society, or credit union account is where all benefits, pensions, and allowances are sent.

After you apply for JSA, there might be a waiting period of up to 7 days before it starts, and an extra 2 weeks before you get your first payment.

It is crucial to understand that your initial payment may not include the complete amount you are entitled to. However, every two weeks, the payment will be made in full.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is available for individuals who face limitations in their work capabilities due to a disability or health condition, allowing them to apply for financial support.

ESA can help you with:

Financial support is available to cover living expenses if you're unable to work, easing the burden and meeting your basic needs.
Support is offered to help you reintegrate into the workforce, providing guidance, training, and opportunities to enhance your skills and increase your chances of finding employment

Individuals who are employed, self-employed, or unemployed are eligible to apply for ESA. In addition, if you have been receiving other benefits such as Income Support or Incapacity Benefit, you may be considered for transfer to ESA.

To determine your eligibility for ESA, you will need to undergo a Work Capability Assessment. This assessment is designed to assess how your illness or disability affects your ability to work.

If eligible for ESA, you will be assigned to one of two groups.

Participate in a work-focused activity group, where you will have regular interviews with a work coach
Attend a work-related support group, where interviews are not required

How much ESA you get depends on:

Your circumstances, such as income
The type of ESA you qualify for
Where you are in the assessment process

HOW MUCH WILL I GET?

New Style ESA amount: The amount you receive will depend on your application progress, age, and ability to reenter the workforce. It may vary based on the stage of your application and other circumstances.

If you get New Style ESA, you can earn Class 1 National Insurance credits for State Pension and future benefits.

If your private pension income is over £85 per week, it will reduce your ESA payments. The excess amount will be deducted from your ESA payments on a weekly basis, with half of that amount being deducted.

If your private pension is £100 per week, £7.50 will be deducted from your ESA payment each week.

If your private pension income is too high, you may no longer be eligible for ESA payments, but you will still receive Class 1 National Insurance credits.

You cannot start a new application for income-related ESA. As long as you meet the requirements, you will continue to receive payments until your claim ends.

WHILE YOUR ESA CLAIM IS BEING ASSESSED:

If your household income and savings are £6,000 or more, it may affect the assistance you can receive.

As your claim undergoes assessment, it is usual to receive the 'assessment rate' for a period of 13 weeks.

If you are aged 24 and under, you can get up to £67.20 a week
Aged 25 or over you can get up to £84.80 a week

If you qualify for ESA, you will be assigned to one of two groups. If you are capable of returning to work at a later time, you will be placed in the work-related activity group. If you are unable to do so, you will be placed in the support group.

You will receive:

You can get up to £84.80 a week if you’re in the work-related activity group
You can get up to £129.50 a week if you’re in the support group

Individuals who are part of the support group and receive income-related ESA are eligible to receive the enhanced disability premium.

Additionally, there is a possibility that you may meet the eligibility criteria for the severe disability premium.

BUDGETING LOAN SUPPORT

The Budgeting Loan provides financial support for various personal and household expenses, including:

Furniture or household items (for example, washing machines or other ‘white goods’)
Clothes or footwear
Rent in advance
Costs linked to moving house
Maintenance, improvements or security for your home
Travelling costs within the UK
Costs linked to getting a new job
Maternity costs
Funeral costs
Repaying hire purchase loans
Repaying loans taken for the above items
To obtain a Budgeting Loan, you would have to contact your nearby DWP Jobcentre.
If you have been receiving specific benefits for a period of 6 months, you could qualify for a Budgeting Loan

The borrowed amount is the only sum you need to repay, and the repayments will be deducted automatically from your benefits.

To be eligible for a Budgeting Loan, you must have been receiving one or multiple of the specified benefits for a minimum period of 6 months.

Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit

If you switch from Universal Credit to Pension Credit, the time you spent claiming Universal Credit will be included in the calculation for a period of 6 months.

Crisis loans are no longer available
If you get Universal Credit now, you cannot get a Budgeting Loan.

HOW MUCH WILL YOU GET WITH A BUDGETING LOAN

The lowest Budgeting Loan amount you can borrow is £100.

You may get up to:

£348 if you’re single
£464 if you have a partner
£812 if you or your partner claim Child Benefit

How much you could get depends on whether you:

Can pay the loan back
Have savings of more than £1,000 (£2,000 if you or your partner are aged 63 or over)
Are you paying back an existing Budgeting Loan or a Crisis Loan

PAYING BACK YOUR BUDGETING LOAN

The Budgeting Loan is interest-free, so you only repay what you borrow, without any extra charges or fees.

Repayments for the Budgeting Loan are automatically deducted from your benefits, making it convenient and hassle-free.

The amount you repay is based on your income and affordability, ensuring fairness and manageability.

After applying for a Budgeting Loan, you will receive communication via email, text, or letter regarding loan approval and repayment details.

Typically, the loan needs to be repaid within 2 years (104 weeks), allowing for gradual repayment without excessive financial strain.

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HOUSING BENEFIT

Housing Benefit is a financial support programme designed to assist unemployed individuals, who have a low income or are claiming benefits in paying their rent. However, it is important to note that Housing Benefit is currently being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit.

You may still qualify for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:

You have reached the State Pension age.
You are in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation

Housing Benefit provides financial aid for your rent based on your income and circumstances.

Whether employed or unemployed, you can apply for Housing Benefit to receive financial assistance for rent.

Single under the age of 25, you can get up to £71.70 a week
Single aged 25 or over, you can get up to £90.50 a week
Lone parents under 18, you can get up to £71.70 a week
Lone parents aged 18 or over can get up to £90.50 a week
Couple both under 18, you can get up to £108.30 a week
Couple one or both aged 18 or over, you can get up to £142.25 a week

RENT ELIGIBILITY FOR COUNCIL AND SOCIAL HOUSING

Your Housing Benefit claim is calculated based on your eligible rent, which comprises your actual rent and any service charges that you are obligated to pay. These service charges may include maintenance fees for lifts or a communal laundry area. However, expenses for heating or water costs are not considered as part of your eligible rent.

COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION

Assistance is available for individuals with low income or those who receive benefits to help cover their council tax expenses.

Council Tax Reduction is available for individuals with low income or those who receive benefits, providing assistance in paying their council tax bill. By applying for this support, your bill has the potential to be reduced by up to 100%.

You can apply if:

You own your home
You rent
You are unemployed or working

WHAT YOU WILL GET DEPENDS ON:

The place of residence greatly influences the available schemes as each council operates its own programme.
The eligibility criteria for these schemes are determined by various factors, such as your circumstances, including income, number of children, benefits, and residency status.
Your household income, which encompasses savings, pensions, and your partner's income, is taken into consideration.
It is also important to specify whether your children reside with you and if there are any other adults living in your household.

MORTGAGE SUPPORT

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) provides assistance in covering the interest on your loan or mortgage, typically up to £200,000. It's important to note that if you are receiving Pension Credit, the maximum amount you can receive is £100,000.

Homeowners who are receiving income-related benefits may be eligible for assistance with interest payments on their mortgage.

Your mortgage
Loans you have obtained for improvements and upgrades to your home
If you applied for an additional qualifying benefit before January 2009 and were below the State Pension age at that time
If you decide to transition from receiving SMI to Pension Credit within 12 weeks of discontinuing your other benefits, you will continue to receive assistance with interest on a maximum of £200,000
Currently, the interest rate utilised to determine the amount of SMI you will receive stands at 3.16%

Repayment of the Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is required as it is provided in the form of a loan, along with interest, which becomes due when you sell or transfer the ownership of your property unless you opt to transfer the loan to another property.

To be eligible for SMI, it is necessary to receive a qualifying benefit.

Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit
Pension Credit

It is important to note that obtaining SMI for a mortgage or loan is not guaranteed, as it depends on various factors and circumstances.

From the start of receiving Pension Credit
After you have claimed Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-based ESA for 39 weeks in a row
Once you have been on Universal Credit for 3 months or transitioned to it within a month of another benefit ending and received it for a total of 3 months, you will also qualify

EARN EXTRA INCOME BY RENTING A ROOM IN YOUR HOME

If you are the owner of a property and you rent out a portion of it, which happens to be your primary or sole residence, you are considered a resident landlord.

In case you occasionally rent out a section of your home, such as through short-term rental platforms, it is important to determine whether you are required to inform HMRC about the income generated from this activity.

If applicable, be aware of your rights and obligations regarding the property. You are responsible for its safety and maintenance. Tenants or lodgers cannot dispute the agreed rent and you may earn up to £7,500 tax-free through the Rent a Room Scheme.

Letting a part of your property allows for a shorter notice period to terminate the agreement, which can be advantageous in certain situations.

Before finalising any agreement, request and follow up on references from potential tenants or lodgers to ensure their suitability.

LOCAL COUNCIL SUPPORT SCHEME

The Local Council Support Scheme offers assistance in the form of vouchers whenever feasible, rather than cash grants. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides funding to Local Authorities to directly aid those in greatest need.

Targeted support funding has been designated for specific areas within the council, including Adult and Children's Social Care, Council Tax, and Education. Residents will be contacted directly by these services to receive the support they require.

Your local council may offer assistance with essential expenses, commonly referred to as the 'Household Support Fund'. This resource can be beneficial if you are facing financial difficulties, vulnerable, in crisis or hardship and finding it challenging to cover costs such as:

Energy and water bills
Food
Essential items

Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays. You do not need to be receiving benefits to access this scheme.

Financial assistance is targeted towards individuals who are in a vulnerable position or are unable to afford basic necessities. It is important to note that eligibility for support from your local council is not limited to those receiving benefits.

Receiving a payment from a Household Support Fund scheme will not have any impact on your existing benefits.

If you are eligible for benefits, you can still receive assistance from this scheme without any adverse effects.

Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in:

Eligibility criteria
If or how you need to apply
Who money is given to

Local councils distribute funds to local charities and community organisations, and some councils limit households to one application for financial assistance per year.

OTHER SUPPORT YOU CAN GET

Check if you’re eligible for a cost-of-living payment
Check what benefits and financial support you can get
Get council tax support if you’re on a low income or get certain benefits
Get a discretionary housing payment if you’re struggling with your rent

PENSION CREDIT SUPPORT

If you have reached the State Pension age and have a low income, Pension Credit provides additional financial support to assist with your living expenses. It can also assist with housing costs, including ground rent and service charges.

Pension Credit is a benefit that is based on income and consists of two components: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Guarantee Credit is designed to supplement your weekly income if it falls below £218.15 (for individuals) or £332.95 (for couples).

Savings Credit is an additional payment provided to individuals who have saved money for their retirement, such as through a pension scheme.

The threshold for a single person is £189.80
The threshold for couples is £301.22

Assistance may be available to individuals who are caregivers, have severe disabilities, or are responsible for the care of a child or young individual.

It is important to note that Pension Credit is distinct from the State Pension.

Eligibility for Pension Credit is not affected by other sources of income, savings, or homeownership.

If you are receiving Pension Credit you may also get other benefits help, such as:

Renting? You may qualify for Housing Benefit to help with rental costs
Need help with everyday expenses? Cost of Living Payments can assist
Homeowners can get support with mortgage payments through Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).
Paying Council Tax? You may be eligible for a discount
Age 75 or over? Enjoy a free TV licence
Some Pension Credit recipients can receive assistance with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transportation for hospital appointments
Keep your home warm with help from the Warm Home Discount Scheme

Are you moving house? Get a discount on Royal Mail redirection service.

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