Claimants of certain benefits are entitled to a range of support and discounts. However, one 'little known' discount may have passed you by and it could halve some costs, especially if you are traveling out of your area searching for work.
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is an unemployment benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that you can claim while looking for work. Receiving this opens the door to an additional benefit, which is available at the discretion of local Jobcentre Plus offices - the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card. People on Universal Credit, a benefit payment to help with living costs, may also be eligible to apply for the card.
The Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card is provided to those unemployed claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s). Cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets so this could be particularly useful for those seeking work out of their immediate area.
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The card is not a new additional benefit, but it may be one of which you weren't aware. In the past, Mims Davies MP, who is the current Parliamentary Under Secretary of Stare and Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said of the card: “We’re committed to breaking down any barrier preventing jobseekers from accessing the vital training and employment opportunities they need to get back in work and back on track."
Other benefit recipients may receive a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card from three months of their claim and if they are actively engaged with a Jobcentre Plus adviser. Apply through your Work Coach or local Jobcentre Plus. Contact your nearest Jobcentre for more information at https://find-your-nearest-jobcentre.dwp.gov.uk/
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