Jobseeker's Allowance - Joint ClaimsWho has to make a joint claim?Couples with no dependant children claiming the Income Based element of Jobseeker's Allowance will be required to make a joint claim where: - at least one member of the couple was born after 28th October 1947; and
- is also aged 18 or over.
In joint claim cases both members will be required to sign the application form and accept equal responsibility for the claim and the reporting of any relevant changes of circumstances.
Each member will normally have to attend a New Jobseeker Interview and sign an individual Jobseeker's Agreement unless they are already taking part in an New Deal programme or are excused from meeting certain JSA conditions if they meet certain criteria. People for who joint claims are not appropriateThere are certain instances where a joint claim will not be appropriate, i.e. where;
- either jobseeker is working an average between 16 and 24 hours at the outset of the claim;11
- either member no longer qualifies;
- one member is over pension age;
- either member is in receipt of Young Person’s Bridging Allowance only;
- payment of a European Economic Area imported benefit is being made (whether or not there is also an element of Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance);
- either member is a Person from Abroad;
- either member is subject to immigration controls and has no recourse to public funds or cannot obtain a work permit
- the woman is pregnant and within 11 weeks of her Expected Week of Confinement and does not wish to make herself available for work or is in receipt of Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance;
- one member is in receipt of Statutory Sick Pay from a job of 16 hours or more per week.
People excused from making a joint claimThe following people can be excused from meeting the conditions:
- People incapable of work
- People incapable of work due to pregnancy
- Carers
- Disabled workers
- Deaf students
- Blind people
- People aged 60 or over
- Refugees on a course to improve their English
- People required to attend court
- Certain people in relevant education
- People aged 18 in full time education
- Disabled students
- People aged 18 - 24 undertaking Work Based Training for Young People
- People in employment who live in a residential home
- People involved in a trade dispute.
Help and advice about joint claimsYou can get more help and information on how the new joint claims process will affect your claim to Jobseeker's Allowance from your Personal Adviser or by contacting your local Social Security or Jobs & Benefits office.
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