WHAT IS JOBCENTRE PLUS ?

Jobcentre Plus is a part of the Department for Work and Pensions. The network is made of Jobcentre Plus offices, Jobcentres and Social Security offices. Over the next few years, they are introducing offices across the country in place of Jobcentres and Social Security offices . By 2006 the whole Jobcentre Plus network will be complete. At Jobcentre Plus, they aim to help:

• More people into paid work
• Employers fill their vacancies
• Give people the support that they are entitled to if they cannot work

 

Looking for work?

Jobseeker Direct is a quick and easy phone service to help you find a full or part time, temporary or permanent job. Their phone advisers can tell you about vacancies in your local area and beyond. You can call Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060234, or text phone 0845 6055255 for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties. Lines are open between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

 

Working Age Benefits

You should use Jobcentre Plus if you are under pension age and making a new or repeat claim for a Working Age Benefit. By this we mean:

• Jobseekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Carer's Allowance
• Maternity Allowance
• Bereavement Benefits

 

How to claim

If you are in an area, such as Derbyshire, with Jobcentre Plus offices you will need to call your local claim number. For Derbyshire it is 0845 6032953. They will take some claim details and arrange a work focused interview at your local office. When you make a claim they will tell you who your personal adviser will be. They are your main contact to help you look for work, or deal with any other questions you may have. Details of the areas covered by Jobcentre Plus and the other local claim numbers are available from you local office or by visiting the Jobcentre Plus website at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. If you are in an area without Jobcentre Plus offices, you should continue to use your local Jobcentre if you are looking for work or claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or your local Social Security office if you are claiming other Working Age Benefits.

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