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Benefits
What benefits can I claim?
If you are aged under 18 then contact your local Connexions centre and an Adviser will be able to help you find out what benefits you might be entitled too.
If you are aged 18 and over you should visit your local Jobcentre Plus as they have specialist advisers who can help you - your nearest Jobcentre Plus can be found on the related contacts.
You can also call them on 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday). A textphone service is available if you have a speech or hearing impairment 0800 023 4888.
Or visit their website at: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
How do I register with Connexions to claim Child Benefit?
You need to make contact with your local Connexions centre in order to register for your parents/carers to be able to claim Child Benefit. We will need some basic details - name, address, date of birth, contact details.
If you start work or training after Year 11, your parents/carers will carry on getting Child Benefit for you until the end of August. If you have not started a job or training by then, they can claim 'extended Child Benefit', but only if you have "registered" with your local Connexions Centre. 'Extended Child Benefit' can last for up to 20 weeks from when you left school; it finishes as soon as you start a job or training.
If you start in Entry to Employment (E2E) or on a Programme Led Apprenticeship (where you are not employed), or if you stay in full-time further education your parents will continue to get Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for you, along with any funding they receive for you from other benefits.
When did I register with Connexions?
Your local Connexions centre will be able to give you that advice. We can look at your record and see when you completed a registration form.
How do I sign on for Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)?
If you are under 18 you will not normally be able to get JSA, even if you are unemployed. However JSA can be claimed by some young people and these include those who are lone parents looking after their child, some disabled people and some young people who may be forced to live away from home. If you are in any of these situations you should visit your local Connexions centre for information and advice about work, training or education opportunities or advice on claiming JSA.
If you are aged 18 or over you need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus and speak to an adviser. Alternatively you can call them with your query on 0800 055 6688 (8am - 6pm Monday to Friday).
I need a signing slip, when can I come in?
If you are under 18 and need to claim Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) you will need to register with us. This will involve regular appointments with an adviser who will discuss your progress with getting a job, etc and you will then receive a signing slip. Take this along with you to claim JSA. If you miss your appointment or have not seen your adviser you need to contact your local Connexions centre and we will try to help you.
I have missed my signing day, can I sign on today?
You will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible if you have missed your signing day, they will advise you on what to do next.
My giro cheque hasn't come through, what do I do?
You need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus.
What benefits can I claim if I'm pregnant?
We would advise you to visit your local Connexions centre if you want to discuss your options and we can provide information about benefits too. We will need to know things like your current situation (ie. are you in education, work or unemployed) and when your baby is due, to be able to give you advice on benefits.
How do I apply for an Education Maintenace Allowance (EMA)?
There are six easy steps to apply for an EMA:
1) Make sure you have a bank account
If you don’t have one you’ll need to set one up as soon as possible.
2) Get an application form
You can order an application form online, or by calling the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219. You can also pick up a form from your school, learning provider or local Connexions centre.
3) Complete the form
Complete it with your parents or carers. There are some really important things to provide along with the form, including evidence of household income and bank account details. There is some guidance on completing the form click here for that information.
4) Send in the form - details in pack
Your application will be assessed and you will be notified within two weeks as to whether or not you qualify. If you have not heard back within two weeks, phone the EMA helpline on 0808 10 16219.
5) Enrol on course
If you qualify, you’ll be sent a Notice of Entitlement (NoE). This explains how much money you’ll get each week – keep it safe. The NoE includes detachable Contract Part 1 (CP1). Before your EMA payments can start, you must give the CP1 to your school, college or learning provider. Both you and your learning provider will need to sign it.
6) Sign agreement and receive your EMA
Sign an agreement with your learning provider which sets out what's expected of you in terms of your attendance, course work and progress. Payments will be made directly into your bank account – and you’ll continue to get it as long as you meet the level of attendance required on your learning programme.
To find out more about EMAs click here
