Jobseeker’s Allowance or ESA

[KMDS74]

Hi. My son is due to finish university next month. Currently sitting his finals online. He will then be seeking employment. As an asthmatic on several inhalers but not in the shielding group, should he be claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or ESA until he is able to find work? I am rather concerned that if this lockdown ends prematurely he will still be at significant risk.

[Hidden]

Universal job match is what he will be on if you applied for jobseekers allowance but you can apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

[Sunny-clubman]

The heritage benefits don’t exist now

It would be universal credit (income based) unless he has enough NIconts to qualify for new style ESA or new style JSA for the ESA he will need a statement of fitness for work from the GP

[Afrohair]

If he is not shielding wouldn’t he be expected to look for work ?i guess it’s universal credit then .you can still look for work whilst studying lots of supermarkets are taking on but maybe don’t risk it not sure how universal credit will work I know job centres are closed so may be a telephone appointment to discuss job search as he would be expected to be job hunting unless he can get a doc note

[Bluebusadventures]

It would be universal credit and depending on what is happening at that point will depend on how he is assessed. Normally universal credit has a work capability assessment happen and that decides if you are in the work activity group (can seek work) or your health prohibits you

From doing that. At this point the government has relaxed the work activity expectations and people are not being required to show they are seeking work due to the lockdown.