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New Deal
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New Deal
What is it?
The New Deal programme is a compulsory scheme for 18 to 24 year olds who have been unemployed and claiming Job Seekers Allowance for six months or more.
It is an individually tailored, practical help and support programme, which is designed to improve your job prospects.
If you are aged between 18 and 24, and have been unemployed and claiming Job Seekers Allowance for six months or more, then you should already have had an interview with an adviser.
You may also be able to join the New Deal programme early, (e.g. before you have been unemployed for six months) if, for example, your first language isn’t English, you are an ex-offender, or have a disability.
There are two stages to the New Deal programme:
1) The Gateway period
This is the first four months.
In this time, you will be offered intensive help in finding work.
2) A New Deal option
This period will last for at least six months.
While you are on an option, and if you return to work afterwards, you’re provided with further support (the follow-through strategy). Options include:
- Employment (including self-employment
- Full time training and education
- A voluntary sector placement
- A placement with the environment task force
So, how much will I get?
During your time on the New Deal programme, you will continue to receive your Job Seekers Allowance. In addition to these payments, you may also receive extra help in the following ways.
Travel concessions – You may be able to get reduced price tickets for trains, coaches, and buses. Reduced price travel may also be available during the first few months of travelling to a new job.
Whilst you are unemployed, or even if you are employed but your wages are low, you may also be able to receive Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit.
You will also be entitled to free prescriptions while receiving Job Seekers Allowance.
If you have a child, you should claim Child Tax Credit, and you may also be able to claim Working Tax Credit, and childcare costs paid by the employer.
If you haven’t got up to N/SVQ Level 2 qualifications or equivalent, you can take advantage of the full-time education and training option of New Deal. If you take this you can receive an allowance equivalent to £15.38 per week in addition to you usual Job Seekers Allowance. This won’t affect your other benefits.
Your educational provider will cover the cost of training materials, any protective clothing, tools and equipment, books and travel expenses. Also, a discretionary fund is available for you if you have exceptional travel costs, living costs if studying away from home, or childcare costs as part of the course.
If you take the environmental task force option, you will also receive a training allowance.
For more information on the New Deal programme, click here to visit the New Deal website.
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