Frequently asked Questions

Jobs

Can you help me look for work?

We regret that we are currently unable to give individual job seeking advice online from this website. Search for vacancy details online.

You could also telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 60 60 234 - their lines are open weekdays 8am to 6pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm.

Alternatively, you could ring your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office and visit it to use the Jobpoints there. Find the address and telephone number of your local office.Can you give me further information about a job I’ve seen advertised on your website? / How do I apply for a job you are advertising?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide further detail about vacancies by email. You need to telephone Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234 (Textphone 0845 6055 255). Alternatively you could contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, by telephone or in person, and quote the job reference number.

How do I advertise a vacancy with Jobcentre Plus?

You need to contact Employer Direct by telephone, fax, or by using the online vacancy submission form. Details of other services available to employers, can be found in the Employers section of this website.

I’d like to work for Jobcentre Plus. How do I find out about current vacancies?

You can find details of current Civil Service vacancies, including those for Jobcentre Plus, by using Jobsearch on the Jobcentre Plus website. Select ‘Admin/Office’ from the job group pull-down menu, then ‘Central/Local Government’ from the job type pull-down, then ‘Civil Service’ from the job title pull-down. General information about applying for work in the Civil Service can be found on the Civil Service Recruitment website.

Benefits

What benefits am I entitled to and how do I claim them?

We regret that we are currently unable to give individual benefit advice online from this website.

To enquire about, or apply for, benefits you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. Find the address and telephone number for your local office.I have been made redundant - what should I do?

You should contact Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible. You may be eligible to claim Jobseekers Allowance, which is the benefit paid to people who are available and actively seeking work. You will also receive assistance with your search for a new job. To make a claim for benefit call 0800 055 6688 (8am-6pm Monday - Friday). A textphone service is available if you have a speech or hearing impairment 0800 023 4888.

I’ve made a claim to benefit but haven’t heard anything yet - what should I do?

You should contact Jobcentre Plus to find out what is happening, and if there is anything you can do to help speed up the process.

Why haven’t I received my benefit payment?

You should contact Jobcentre Plus. They will be able to check the relevant computer system(s) and determine the cause of the delay. They will also advise you what to do next.

Where can I find out more information about a particular benefit?

A general guide to benefits that customers of working age may be able to get from Jobcentre Plus, can be found in the A to Z of Benefits and Allowances.

National Insurance Numbers

How do I apply for a National Insurance number?

We regret that we are currently unable to deal with online applications for national insurance numbers. If you or your partner need a national insurance number to claim benefits this will be done as part of the claim process, call 0800 055 6688 (8.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday to Friday) to make a claim to benefit.  A textphone service is available if you have a speech or hearing impairment 0800 023 4888.

If you are starting work, self-employed or wishing to pay voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions you should telephone 0845 600 0643.

Further information about National Insurance numbers and the application process, can be found on the NI number section of the DWP website.

How do I change my name, address and other details on my National Insurance records?

Please telephone the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.

I can’t find my National Insurance number – what do I do?

First check on official papers such as payslips, tax returns, official correspondence to see if it is written there.

If you still can’t find it please contact the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006 and ask for a 'Letter of Confirmation' of your National Insurance number.

I’ve lost my National Insurance number card or it has been stolen. What do I do?

Please order a replacement by calling the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.

I’ve received my National Insurance number but not my card. How do I get one?

Please contact the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.

I am 16 years old and haven’t received my National Insurance number card. What do I do?

National Insurance Numbers are generated automatically where Child Benefit has been in payment for a child; the numbers are issued at 15 years and 9 months.

If you have not yet received a National Insurance card soon after reaching 15 years and 9 months, you can contact the National Insurance Registration Helpline on 0845 915 7006.

Contacting Jobcentre Plus

Why do Jobcentre Plus use 0800 and 0845 telephone numbers instead of using geographical telephone numbers such as 01/02 numbers?

When deciding to use 0800 and 0845 numbers for our services, Jobcentre Plus took into account both the costs to our customers and the improvements to our services the numbers provide.  0800 and 0845 numbers allow customers to select options which connect them to the relevant service quickly.

For information on 0800 and 0845 call charges, please refer to the information about call charges page on this website. Customers should check the exact call costs with their telephone provider.

Find out how to contact Jobcentre Plus by using our signposting page. You can decide why you need to contact Jobcentre Plus and then enter your postcode, if necessary, to find the right office.