Who has to go on New Deal?
New Deal is compulsory for 18-24 year olds who have been signing on unemployed for at least 6 months. Some people can choose to join New Deal without waiting 6 months. For example:
- you have basic problems reading, writing or using numbers
- you have a health problem or disability
- you are an ex-offender
- you are an ex-regular in the armed forces
Once you join New Deal, you can't opt out.
What is the New Deal Gateway?
This is the first stage of New Deal that everyone has to attend. You receive up to 4 months or more help to:
- find a job immediately, OR
- improve your job prospects and then find a job, OR
- decide on one of the 4 New Deal Options
What are the New Deal Options?
The 4 New Deal Options are:
- Full-time Education & Training
- Employment or Self-Employment
- Environment Task Force
- Work with a Voluntary Sector Organisation
All four are classed as government programmes. You can lose benefit if you refuse them all, leave one early without a good reason or are dismissed.
Tell me more about the Full-time Education and Training Option
If you don't have qualifications at or above NVQ level 2 (4 GCSEs at grade A-C) or you need help with basic maths or English, you can do a full-time course of 26-52 weeks to get these qualifications.
If you already have NVQ level 2, you may be able to do another type of course, but only if it is likely to lead to immediate employment and only lasts 26-52 weeks.
Your Jobseeker's Allowance is replaced by an allowance of the same amount, plus a weekly top-up of £15.38. The course provider will pay for fares. You may also get help with books and equipment you need for the course and extra expenses like childcare. Your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit won't be affected.
Study and the other New Deal Options
The other Options include a guarantee of at least 26 days related training or study for an approved qualification.
What if I am already studying part-time?
If you've been unemployed for 6 months or more, you must still go on New Deal, even if you haven't finished your course. But you may be able to combine it with New Deal in the following ways:
- If the course is due to finish within 4 months, you can complete it during the Gateway period
- You may be allowed to do it under the Full-time Education and Training Option, if the course can be fitted to the rules of this Option
- If it is employment related, you may be allowed to continue your course as part of the training/study entitlement on one of the other three Options
You can find more information about the New Deal for people aged 18 to 24 (external site).
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser
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Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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