How to Apply For a New Deal Photocard

New Deal is a UK government employment system comprising of a number of schemes to help different social groups of unemployed people who are claiming benefit back into work. Since 1998, New Deal has been providing training and work opportunities for those who are claiming benefits but are able to work.

Instructions

If You Are Between 18 and 24

1. Visit your local Job Centre Plus or call their hotline to sign up for Jobseekers Allowance.

2. Claim JSA for six months and it will be compulsory for you to enter the New Deal scheme. You may be eligible to enter earlier than this if your New Deal advisor thinks it necessary.

3. Attend meetings with your personal advisor at the Jobcentre Plus for your 'Gateway' period which can last from one to four months. During these meetings you will be given intensive training and sessions with your advisor to help you find a job and will be given your New Deal photocard.

4. Complete the compulsory two week course 'Gateway to Work' to improve your communication, team working and personal management skills. You will also receive help with writing your CV and filling out job applications.

5. Choose from one of four alternative options if you are unsuccessful in finding a job during your Gateway period. You may be offered a job with a subsidised employer (who is paid a subsidy for employing you for six months), a twelve month course of training with an allowance equivalent to JSA, the chance to be self employed or a place within a voluntary sector organisation (for which you will still receive your JSA).

6. Don't refuse to take part in the subsidised job schemes offered to you through New Deal or you could face a suspension of your benefits for two weeks.

If You Are Aged 25 plus

1. Visit your nearest Jobcentre Plus as soon as you become unemployed to start claiming Jobseekers Allowance. Once you have been claiming JSA for a certain number of months (dependent on your age and situation) you will be eligible to take part in the New Deal scheme. Your photocard will be given to you at the Jobcentre Plus when you join the scheme.

2. Remain unemployed for over 18 months and it will become mandatory for you to take part in the New Deal scheme if you are over 25 and under 60 and do not fall into any of the other categories or exemptions. Through the scheme you will be offered work experience and occupational training to help you get back into work.

3. Remember that your Jobseekers Allowance may be stopped if you refuse to take part in New Deal activities or are fired for unacceptable behaviour.

4. Choose whether or not to take part in the New Deal 50 Plus activities if you are over 50 and under 60. However, if you are between these ages and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, you will be expected to take part in certain New Deal activities under the New Deal 25 Plus scheme.

5. Take part in the New Deal scheme if you are a lone parent claiming income support to receive job training and help with finding suitable childcare. Your benefits will not be affected if you join up.

6. Visit or call the Jobcentre Plus if you are disabled and would like to find work. The New Deal scheme for disabled people is voluntary and can put you in touch with a job broker who can find you a suitable job.

7. Opt to be part of the New Deal for Musicians if you have hopes of making it in the music industry. The scheme aims to help unemployed performers (from all genres including rock and dance) to get to grips with the business side of the music industry and how to maintain a career in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Show your New Deal Photocard when boarding trains, trams and buses to get reduced fare transport while you are looking for work.

Resources

• Jobcentre Plus