Changes to the applications for Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and Universal Credit
Guidance has been issued in relation to recent miscellaneous changes to social security made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, amendments to Regulations 2020 which include: The lifting of work search and work availability requirements in Universal Credit and JSA Disregarding periods of sickness relating to coronavirus for the purposes of calculating short periods and extended periods of sickness in JSA Please note, the above changes currently cease to have effect on 12 November 2020. In relation to Universal Credit, it's also advised that the regulations provided for the Secretary of State to have discretion to make variations to the application of the minimum income floor for self-employed claimants, and to increase the standard allowances for the period 6 April 2020 to 5 April 2021. The standard allowances have been increased to: £342.72 for single claimants under 25 £409.89 for single claimants aged 25 or over £488.59 for joint claimants both under 25 £594.04 for joint claimants where either is aged 25 or over Contact details are as follows: For new claims to Universal Credit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit For new claims to New Style Employment and Support Allowance: 0800 328 5644 For new claims to New Style Jobseekers Allowance: 0800 055 6688