Money and Benefits Market : Benefits

What Benefits are There?

 If you are over 18 then it's best to check the GOV UK website to find out what benefits you could be entitled to and how to claim them. You can look through a wide variety of benefits and advice by clicking here, OR you can go straight to the Benefits Calculator to see what benefits you may be eligible for.

 You can also contact your local Job Centre Plus to ask for benefits advice. You can search for your closest JCP using your postcode, here.

 If you are under 18 and either 16 or 17, check out the information on Turn 2 Usas they may be able to support you.

Below we've listed some information about available benefits for Job Seekers, how you can claim, and some useful links.

• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

  • If you're looking for work you can recieve Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) whilst you do so. There are currently 3 types of JSA, which have different criteria, so if you're job searching and need some support check the GOV UK website!
    
    
  • If you're out of work or on a low income, and between 18 and State Pension Age you may be eligible to claim Universal Credit. Check the GOV UK website for all of the details!
    
    
  • If you are a carer or have a disability, check the specific information on disability benefits. Some benefits will give you extra financial support on top of Job Seeker's Allowance, so make sure you check what you're eligible for.

• How do I apply?

  • To apply for JSA: Firstly, check your elibility. Once you know you are eligibile, you can apply online or through your local JCP. 
    
    Once you've applied you will have to have a JSA Interview at your local JCP, where they will check documents you have brought along and assess what you can claim. For full details, click here.
    
    
  • To apply for Universal Credit: As always, first check your elibility for UC. Once you know you are eligible, you need to apply online.
    
    You'll have to set up an account online to make a claim, which will then be assessed in an interview at your local JCP. Find out more and what you need to take to the interview here.
    
    
  • If you are a carer or have a disability: Each type of carer and disability benefit will have different requirements so check on the GOV UK site for specific details.

• Other useful links

  • GOV.UK Tax Credits: A useful part of the GOV UK website that offers information on tax credits.
  • Child Poverty Action Group: A national charity which aims to reduce child poverty and supports families on benefits in the UK.
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Information on the government scheme PIP that helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to State Pension Age.

  For more information on housing and council tax benefits have a look at floor 8.