Wednesday 24 April 2013

Claiming Jobseekers Allowance Online

Jobseeker's Allowance Online

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is a benefit paid to eligible people who are currently unemployed and looking for work.

You can now claim Jobseekers Allowance Online at:-

www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance


Brand new claim - Allow up to 40 minutes to apply for JSA online.

If you've claimed JSA in the last six months and none of your circumstances have changed, it should only take around 15 minutes for you to claim online.

You can claim online if you are eligible for JSA and 18 or over. You'll need:
  • your National Insurance number
  • a phone number where you can be contacted
  • financial, employment and education details for you and your partner, if you have one
You may also find your P45 or P60 useful, but it's not essential.
Your claim will only start from the date you submit it. If you delay you could lose benefit.
Remember: once you start your claim, make a note of your user ID and password - you'll then be able to return to your saved claim any time within seven days.

 

Who is eligible for JSA?

To claim JSA you need to be actively looking for work and:
  • over 18 but below State Pension age
  • unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours per week
  • living in England, Scotland or Wales
Under 18s: you can't get JSA, except in special circumstances. Check with your local Jobcentre Plus to check your eligibility.
Under 20s: you can't get JSA while you are in education and your parents are receiving Child Benefit for you. If they are, and you've left school or college this summer, wait until 3 September before applying for JSA (that's when the Child Benefit payments usually stop).
Full time students: you can't usually get JSA until your course has officially finished - check the date with your college or university.

What happens after you've submitted your claim online?

You will:
  • get a phone call or text message within two working days inviting you to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus
  • attend an interview and agree steps towards finding work
Once your claim has been processed, you'll be told whether or not you'll receive Jobseeker's Allowance, how much you'll get and how it will be paid.

 

How much will you get paid?

Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to the following amounts*
Your status Maximum weekly amount
Under 25 £56.80
Over 25 £71.70
Couples, civil partnerships £112.55

Unable to claim online?

If you're eligible for JSA but can't claim online, contact Jobcentre Plus by phone:
0800 055 6688
0800 012 1888 Welsh language line
0800 023 4888 textphone
Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Information leaflet from Jobcentre Plus

Find out more about Jobseeker's Allowance using the following link:
Frequently Asked Questions


Can I claim online?
To use this service you must:
·         not have received Employment and Support Allowance in the last calendar month
·         not want to claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) from a future date
·         not want to reclaim JSA after finishing a training course arranged through your Jobcentre             
·         not be under 18 or over state pension age

What information may be needed?
·         National insurance number
·         Contact phone number
·         Address
·         Part time work you are currently doing
·         Previous work you have finished within the last six months
·         Pensions you are getting or due to get in the next three years
·         Social security benefits you currently receive or have applied for
·         Other people that you live with
·         Savings, shares, bank and building society accounts
·         Other money or income not already declared
·         Property owned
·         Further details required may include mortgages, home loans, rental agreements, service charges and insurance policies.

How long does an online application take?
Allow up to 40 minutes to apply for JSA online or around 15 minutes if you can make a repeat claim.

Am I eligible to make a repeat claim?
If you have claimed Jobseekers Allowance in the last six months and none of your circumstances have changed you are not usually required to repeat the majority of the information you have previously provided.

Important information about completing your application online
When completing your application you will be asked to answer questions about your circumstances including current and previous work, other benefits you claim and education and training.

What happens after I have submitted my claim online?
You will get a phone call or text message within two working days inviting you to an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Disclaimer
This document is for guidance only. It covers the requirements for a typical claim and is not a definitive list of all information that may be needed.


*Rates correct as of April 2013 

Work Experience

The Knowsley Engagement Co-Operative (KEC) is made up of many organisations that support people into jobs, training or Self-Employment. Included below is some information from one of the members of the KEC, Jobcentre Plus, about the "Work Experience" Programme. 


Work Experience is part the Get Britain Working agenda of the Governments “Big Society” plan, and is being incorporated into Jobcentre Plus services provided to young people.

Work Experience has been set up to support 18 – 24 year old members of our Community, who have little or no work history or work experience. It is open to claimants of Jobseekers Allowance aged 18-24* in order to increase their experience to help them find paid employment.

Employer Advisers from Jobcentre Plus work with local Employers (known as “Hosts”) to set up placements, which are usually between 2 – 8 weeks long and are usually for 25-30 hours per week. The young person on Work Experience remains on Jobseekers Allowance whilst on their placement, and so benefits are not affected whilst gaining new skills and experience.

From the Host's point of view there is no requirement to have an existing vacancy, or to offer the Candidate a job at the end of their time spent on the Placement; it is simply an opportunity to give young people a taste of how things are done in the “world of work” and to provide a reference to support their ensuing transition into work. 


Additionally, Work Experience is a voluntary option, therefore only Clients who express an interest in participating in this element of the “Get Britain Working” measures will be referred.

If you are a young person who is interested in this and feels they would benefit from a Work Experience placement you should speak to your Jobcentre Plus Adviser or contact your local office on 0845 604 3719


If you are a Knowsley based Employer and you feel that you could offer Work Experience to any of our Clients, please do not hesitate to contact your local Jobcentre Plus Business Development Team on (0151) 443 6095


* There are some exceptions to this that opens Work Experience to people outside this age range. If you feel you would benefit from Work Experience speak to your local Jobcentre Plus to see if you are eligible

Friday 12 April 2013

Tweeting For Jobs


Tweeting For Jobs

What is Twitter?

Twitter is an online social networking service that lets users send & read messages of up to 140 characters, known as "Tweets".

Many people use Twitter to tweet information about themselves, follow celebrities or keep in contact with friends, but did you know that you can also use Twitter to help your Jobsearch?

Many companies, recruitment agencies, and job broking services now use Twitter to tweet information about vacancies, apprenticeships, and useful information that can help your jobsearch.

By joining Twitter and following these sites you can find out information about jobs and opportunities that you might be interested in.

How to register?

·        Go to www.twitter.com and enter your details in the “New To Twitter Section”
·        Follow the on screen by screen instructions on the site to complete your registration.

Who to follow?

There are lots of organisations that you can follow, who share information about jobs, training and other useful services. By following them you will see their tweets in your timeline and get all of the latest information. Why not start by following us:-

www.twitter.com/KnowsleyJCP

Below are some suggested Twitter Accounts you may want to follow to help your jobsearch:-

Jobcentre Plus
Jobsearch
Advice Services
Local Council
@AintreeJCP
@AllAboutCareers
@GOVUK
@KnowsleyCouncil
@BootleJCP
@ArgosCareers
@AfterRedundancy
@lpoolcouncil
@EdgehillJCP
@BarclaysRoles
@CAPuk

@seftoncouncil

@EvertonJCP
@Boots_Jobs
@CitizensAdvice
@sthelenscouncil
@JCPNorrisGreen
@EmployerPool
@Gingerbread
Colleges & Training
@khubdwp
@GBWorking
@Go_ON_UK
@edgehill
@KnowsleyJCP
@GreengrapeSol
@KnowsleyCAB1
@HughBaird
@MerseysideJCP
@HomebaseCareers
@knowsleyhousing
@KnowsleyCollege
@RuncornJCP
@jobsnmerseyside
@KUCLtd
@LCC_ESS
@SeftonJCP
@KCVSVolunteers
@LpoolChamber
@MerciaPart
@StHelensJCP
@liverpooljob
@merseyrail
@modetraining
@WavertreeJCP
@LiverpoolJobsUK
@MySignpost
@OakmereC
@WestDerbyJCP
@livunijobs
@NationalCareers
@UK_Apprentices
@WidnesJCP
@Monsterjobs_uk
@PrincesTrust
Self Employment
@WirralJCP
@the_KEC
@SingleParentNwk
@bisgovuk

@WHSmithcareers
@UKonlinecentres
@TheWomensOrg

There are many more accounts that you may want to follow to find your ideal job. Have a look around and good luck with your job search!

Business Roadshow



The Women’s Organisation and Start Up Liverpool are joining forces and going out on the road for one week to bring information on Business Start Up services and funding for the Women of Merseyside.

We will be at a range of locations across Merseyside for one week and women are invited to drop in and find out what free support and funding is available to them to set up a business.The business idea can be any size, from mobile beauty or cake baking at home, to an online business or shops and stalls. 

  • Find out about grants and low interest loans for starting a business 
  • Understand what is involved in self-employment
  • Get some free impartial advice and guidance on your ideas
  • Access free training 

During these sessions, women will be able to draw inspiration about becoming a woman in business, chat to our team about support and ££££’s of grant and loan funding available in Merseyside.

Locations are:

Monday 29th April 2013 – Sefton
Southport Library, 26-32 Tulketh Street, PR8 1BT, 9:30am – 11am
Crosby Library, Crosby Road North, L22 0LQ, 11:30am - 1pm
Costa Coffee, 221 Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 1.30pm – 3pm

Tuesday 30th April 2013 – Knowsley
Huyton Library, Civic Way, L36 9GD, 9:30am – 11pm
Kirkby Library, Newtown Gardens, L32 8RR, 11:30am – 1pm
Halewood Library, Roseheath Drive, L26 0TS, 1:30pm – 3pm

Wednesday 1st May 2013 – Liverpool
Riverside Credit Union, 17 Penketh Drive, L24 2WZ, 9:30am – 11am
Tesco Old Swan, St Oswalds Street, L13 2BY, 11:30am – 1pm
Liverpool Town Hall, High Street, L2 3SW, 2pm – 4pm

Thursday 2nd May 2013 – Wirral
West Kirby Library, The Concourse, CH48 4HX, 9:30am – 11am
Wallasey Central Library, Earlston Road, CH45 5DX, 11:30am – 1pm
Egerton House Birkenhead, 2 Tower Road, CH41 1FN, 1:30pm – 3pm

 #BusinessRoadshow

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Lone Parent Open Day

Jobcentre Plus, working with various Partner Organisations, want to help Lone Parents to see what support is available to help them back into Work, Training or Self-Employment.

Therefore, there will be two Open Days in Knowsley that Lone Parents can attend to speak to services dealing with Employment, Training, Financial Awareness and Health & Wellbeing.

On the day there will be a Market Place where Lone Parents can get specialist advice with:-
  • Finding a Job
  • Becoming Self-Employed
  • Volunteering
  • Training Opportunities available
  • Financial Advise & Financial Support Available
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Activities available for Parents & Children

Both Open Days will have 2 sessions available for Lone Parents to attend;
9:30am-11:30am and 12:30pm-2:30pm and there will be demonstrations from Training Organisations throughout the day.

The Following Open Days are Available:-

WEDNESDAY 27th MARCH 2013
Work World
599 Princess Drive
Page Moss
Liverpool
L14 9ND

WEDNESDAY 17th APRIL 2013
Knowsley Community College
Kirkby Campus (Collegiate Building)
Cherryfield Drive
Kirkby
L32 8SF


If you are interested in attending one of the Open Days please Speak to your Jobcentre Plus Adviser, or call 0151 801 8719 and quote one of the following reference numbers for your preferred session:-

Huyton - 27th March 2013
9:30am-11:30am      - HYT/16772
12:30pm-2:30pm      - HYT/16773

Kirkby - 17th April 2013
9:30am-11:30am      - KIR/32696
12:30pm-2:30pm      - KIR/32697

Monday 21 January 2013

The Social Partnership

The Social Partnership (TSP) is a registered charity and was formed in 1994 as part of a Home Office initiative to tackle drug misuse in Liverpool and its associated implications concerning social deprivation, criminality, breakdown of family life and its effect on the welfare system. Employment, training and education opportunities with intensive mentoring support, as a vehicle to tackle personal and social barriers, remain the focus of our business aims and objectives.

TSP also has a wealth of experience in helping other organisations develop services for substance misusers.  In 2001 we acted as advisers to the Lauder College in Fife offering good practice guidance in the setting up successful drug pilot projects.  In 2004 we helped Access2Industry, an Edinburgh based organisation to set up and manage a two-year pilot structured day care project for problem drug users.

In 2006, we were invited to meet with the Social Security Advisory Committee to discuss our good practice model in Merseyside and, provide insight into how other organisations can make best use of partner agencies for client benefit.

TSP was one of the original organisations to deliver progress2work’s forerunner the Progress Pilot.  This was aimed at assessing the viability of employment led projects for dug users.  We achieved best performing pilot status as a result.  The Progress Pilot project formed the basis for the Department of Work and Pensions progress2work’s tender specification.

We remain a specialist organisation, working exclusively with adults and young people that present the following barriers to employment: drug/alcohol misuse, recidivism, homelessness or vulnerably housed, complex health issues, poor social functioning skills, poor learning experiences and ambition levels, low self esteem and histories of worklessness.

From its inception back in 1994 we have developed our original two projects Transit (formerly Second Chance) and Artskills to our current portfolio which includes:

  • Jobs First – Merseyside DWP grant funded project
  • Wirral Community Alcohol Projects – PCT funded
  • Wirral Reachout – Council funded employability project
  • Healthwise – bespoke training arm of TSP
  • Transit – PCT funded
  • Fixers - Trainee Community Support Workers/Learning Mentors
  • Work Programme – sub contractor for A4e

Contact The Social Partnership on 0151 258 1199
www.tsp.org.uk