Summary of New Deal 50 Plus

If you're are over 50 and want to work, then the New Deal 50 plus programme could be the perfect opportunity for you. If you have been finding it difficult getting a job, or work that pays a decent wage, then this dedicated programme of help may be just what you need.

Perhaps you would just like some help and advice, or perhaps you feel slightly lost or lacking in confidence. Maybe you feel like you don't have the right skills and need some help to get them. Whatever your reason, New Deal is here to help you.

Can I join New Deal 50 plus?

You can join the programme if you are aged 50 or over and are in receipt of and have been receiving any one or more of the benefits below for at least 6 months.

• Income Support (IS)
• Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Incapacity Benefit (IB)
• Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA)
• Pension Credit.

You may also be eligible if you have been receiving National Insurance credits or Carer's Allowance or Bereavement Allowance.

New Deal 50 plus is also available to you if your partner has been receiving an increase in benefits for you for at least 6 months.

What can New Deal do for me?

Join the programme and you get your own New Deal personal adviser who becomes the main point of contact for the whole programme. It is their job to:

• get to know a little about you and the kind of work you would like to do
• draw up an action plan to help you get that job
• help you look and apply for suitable jobs
• help you prepare your work history and letters of application
• organise possible training opportunities that could improve your skills
• organise voluntary work which may develop employable skills
• support and reassure you throughout the programme.

If you work for over 16 hours a week, you can apply for the Working Tax Credit. An extra amount is available for people on New Deal 50 plus and is paid for your first 52 weeks in employment. The amount you get will depend on your family circumstances. To find out more, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website or call the helpline on 0845 300 3900 (in Northern Ireland, call 0845 603 2000).

You can also apply for an in-work Training Grant of up to £1,500 when you get a job through New Deal 50 plus. You can use the grant to improve your skills and help you progress or to get a better job.

What you should do

If you have any questions or concerns about joining New Deal, you can take a closer look at the rest of this website. You'll find answers to your questions and hear from others who have been on New Deal. Alternatively, view our booklet, Putting yourself in the picture (you can find it under Want to know more?), or for more information contact Jobcentre Plus.

If you would like to join the programme or find out more about it, please drop into your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office and ask to speak to a New Deal personal adviser.