The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a range of benefits and financial support for people who are looking for a new job, out of work, or affected by redundancy. Guidance on GOV.UK brings together the main options, including Universal Credit and New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), along with additional help for costs linked to finding or starting work.
People with a disability or health condition may also get support through Access to Work. Those unsure of what they can claim can use an independent benefits calculator to estimate their entitlement and see how it could change if they start work.
Universal Credit and New Style JSA
Universal Credit is a payment designed to help with living costs and may be available to people who are out of work, on a low income, or unable to work. It is usually paid monthly, although people in Scotland can choose to receive payments twice a month. Universal Credit is also replacing older benefits, including Housing Benefit and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). People receiving these older benefits do not need to move to Universal Credit unless their circumstances change or they receive a Migration Notice telling them to claim by a deadline.
New Style Jobseeker's Allowance is available to people looking for work. The maximum weekly payment is currently £75.65 for people aged under 25 and £95.55 for those aged 25 or over. It can usually be paid for up to 182 days, or around six months. People may receive Universal Credit at the same time as New Style JSA, or receive Universal Credit instead. Claimants must agree to steps they will take to look for work through a Claimant Commitment, and payments can be reduced or stopped if the agreement is not kept without a good reason. Income-based JSA is no longer open to new claims.
Help moving into work and Access to Work
Support does not necessarily stop when someone finds a job. Jobcentre Plus can help with preparing for, finding, and staying in employment, including job-search support, training, work experience, job trials, help starting a business, and support for people combining work with childcare or caring responsibilities. Some benefits may continue after starting work, depending on circumstances.
People with a disability or long-term health condition may receive an Access to Work grant to help with costs such as specialist equipment or adaptations, support workers, and travel to and from work. Support can also include mental health assistance and communication support at a job interview, such as a British Sign Language interpreter or lipspeaker.
Help to Save and Budgeting Loans
Some people receiving Universal Credit may qualify for the Help to Save scheme. Eligible people can save between £1 and £50 each calendar month and receive a Government bonus of 50p for every £1 saved over four years. Bonuses are paid after the second and fourth years, based on how much has been saved.
Budgeting Loans are also listed among the financial support available. They can help with essential or one-off expenses, including furniture, household items, clothing, rent in advance, moving costs, and travel within the UK. A Budgeting Loan can also be used towards costs associated with getting a new job. Budgeting Loans are linked to certain legacy benefits rather than Universal Credit, so eligibility depends on which benefits someone receives.
GOV.UK recommends using a benefits calculator for people unsure what financial support they may be entitled to. These can provide an estimate of benefits someone could receive, how payments may change if they start work, and how changes in circumstances could affect entitlement. Full guidance is available on the GOV.UK website.
