Jobseeker interviews and appeals
So you know the basics, but what is involved with signing on?
Jobseeker interviews
You're entitled to receive Jobseeker's Allowance if you're out of work and actively looking for employment. Once you have been to your local Jobcentre Plus and filled in a claim form you will need to meet with a personal advisor. You will need to show that you're able to start work and are looking for a job. Fill the form in and take it to the interview.
At the interview the adviser will:
- Make sure you understand the rules for JSA;
- Discuss the kinds of work you're looking for and the best ways of finding a job;
- Give you information about jobs, training and other opportunities;
- Check that you have filled in your form fully and given all the information they need
Jobseeker's Agreement
To get JSA you must have a Jobseeker Agreement - you and the adviser will make this agreement at your first interview, and you will both sign it.
Your Jobseeker's Agreement will include details of:
- Your availability for work;
- The kind of work you are looking for;
- What you will do to look for work and improve your chances of finding work;
- The services Jobcentre Plus provide.
If you and the adviser cannot agree on the content of the Jobseeker's Agreement, a decision maker will decide if the proposed contents are reasonable. If you do not agree with their decision, you can ask for it to be looked at again by another decision maker. If you still do not agree, you can appeal.
Visiting your Jobcentre Plus
Once you begin receiving JSA you will need to go into your local Jobcentre Plus at least once every two weeks. If you fail to go to a meeting you will risk losing your benefits. When you visit the Jobcentre Plus your advisor will talk to you about whether you still meet the rules for JSA and what you must do to keep on getting it. You will also need to prove that you're doing everything that was in your Jobseeker's Agreement and find out if there are any jobs you can apply for, or training courses that you can take.
I'm in full-time education - can I get Jobseeker's Allowance?
You can't get JSA if you're under 20 and still at college or university, although you could be eligible to get Income Support. You will be able to claim JSA if you study with the Open University as courses are for part-time students.
Appeals
If you feel you have been wrongly assessed as capable of work, or you think that the benefits you're receiving are incorrect, you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus immediately and ask for an explanation. If you're unhappy or disagree with their explanation you can appeal to an independent tribunal who will decide if the decision was wrong. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to find out how to appeal against the decision. If you win your appeal, your benefits will be backdated. Signing on in the meantime will not prejudice your chances of appeal. But it is important to remember that you will have to show that you are taking the necessary steps to be available for, and actively seeking work, under the rules mentioned above while you wait for your appeal.
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