What's New Deal 50 plus all about?

Through New Deal 50 plus you can get the support you need to get back into work. It's a voluntary programme run by your local Jobcentre Plus office.

When you join New Deal you'll get a Personal Adviser who can help you to:

• decide what type of work would suit you best
• look for and apply for job vacancies
• draw up a CV
• find suitable training to improve your skills
• set up volunteering opportunities to improve your skills.

Am I eligible?

You're eligible for New Deal 50 plus if you're over 50 and have been claiming one of the following benefits for six months or longer:

• Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Benefit
• Pension Credit.

You may also be eligible if you've been receiving National Insurance credits, Carer's Allowance, Bereavement Allowance, or if your partner has been receiving an increase in benefits for you for at least six months.

If you've a job lined up, or have just started work, through New Deal 50 plus you can also get:

• access to Working Tax Credit if you work over 16 hours a week, paid for your first year in employment
• a training grant of up to £1500 to update your existing skills or get new ones
• help with starting up a business, including information and advice, and access to the Employment Credit.

How do I join?

You can contact Jobcentre Plus and arrange to meet a personal adviser. At this meeting, you and the personal adviser will decide what you should do next.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, ask at your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus office or visit the New Deal website.

Remember, if you're unemployed you can study most further education courses for free. Call your local college for more info, or call us on 0800 100 900 to find your nearest college.

Related items

• dealing with redundancy
• finding a job
• be your own boss
• volunteering