§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what range of benefits is available for those unable to find a job; under what circumstances are these benefits withdrawn: and what compulsory tasks the unemployed are asked to do in searching and applying for jobs. [132947]
§ Mr. BrowneThe main benefit available to people seeking work is Jobseeker's Allowance. They may also 483W be able to receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Disability benefits depending on their particular circumstances. Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits can be claimed by all families with children.
In order to receive Jobseeker's Allowance a person must be available for and actively seeking work. When they make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance they agree the steps they will take to actively seek work. This is recorded on their Jobseeker's Agreement and reviewed on a regular basis. Jobseekers may also have to comply with a Jobseeker's Direction issued by their Adviser. This could be, for example, apply for a specific job vacancy or to attend a training course. Failure to comply with these requests without good cause could lead to a benefit sanction.
Before a sanction is applied an independent Decision Maker will consider statements from the jobseeker and their Personal Adviser, together with the Jobseeker's Agreement and any other evidence supplied by the jobseeker. If benefit is disallowed the jobseeker is advised of their right to have the decision reconsidered or to appeal.
Details of the steps that Jobseeker's are required to take are set out in Volume 4, Chapter 21, Paragraphs 21826 to 21828 of the Decision Makers Guide a copy of which is available in the Library.