Job Seekers Allowance - Stages

Ladywriter1968

Can anyone explain to me how many stages there are on this benefit? Myself and husband are at stage one currently, can anyone tell me what each stage means as well? What happens once you reach the end stage? Does it all start again or what?

These things are not really explained at the job centre. What does each stage involve?

Thanks in advance.

gargantuan_2

Stage 1 is 0-13 weeks, and it is pretty much up to you to look for work with minimal intervention from JCP staff. You are allowed to look for jobs in the areas you have experience in, at the wage you are used to getting.

Stage 2 is 13-26 weeks, and at this point you are expected to look for any type of work you are capable of doing, and are expected to accept jobs with lower pay and look further afield. You are also expected to attend the office on a weekly basis, for "Intensive job searches".

Stage 3 is from 6 months up until a year of signing, pretty much the same as Stage 2 apart from you are entitled to a few more things (£1000 to an employer if they take you on, etc) and you spend a lot more time with an adviser.

Stage 4 is if you have been signing for a year, and after this point you are referred, dependant on location, to the various providers. In our area, it is Working Links. You spend time with these organisations, do intensive job searching, work placements, etc etc.

If you are still unfortunate enough to still be signing on after the end of this, then you start again at Stage 1 and all steps are repeated.

TheBottomLine_2

Excellent post garg, cheers.

Ladywriter1968

gargantuan: thank you for your help I will save your information