JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE IF YOU ARE 16 OR 17
See also: Claiming Income Support, Claiming JSA
Very few 16/17 year olds are able to claim JSA. You must register for work and training with Connexions at Castlegate and see you Connexions PA on a regaulr basis. The main groups who can claim are those who could claim Income Support (see "Income Support if you are 16-18") or those who have been
- temporarily laid off or on short time working, and are available for work
- accepted as having to live away from home, who are looking for a full time job or Training Placement. This is up to 20 weeks from the Monday after you leave relevant education or approved training.
At 18 you will be entitled to JSA under the normal rules.
If you don't qualify, you may be able to claim Discretionary JSA - but you'll need to show that you are suffering 'severe hardship'.
BRIDGING ALLOWANCE
If you leave your job or training place (even after only one day) when 16/17 and are not entitled to JSA you may get a Bridging Allowance. You have to show you are looking for another job or training placement.. This is only £15 per week and is for a maximum of 8 weeks. To claim, go to the Connexions at Castlegate.