To allow more claimants to take advantage of the support available, the Restart Scheme eligibility criteria were expanded on 25 April 2022 so that claimants who are in receipt of Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA IB) can be referred.
New Style Jobseekers Allowance claimants are not eligible for the Restart Scheme.
In addition to the basic JSA IB requirements, to be eligible for the Restart Scheme claimants must:
- Currently be in receipt of JSA IB
- Have been in receipt of JSA IB for a minimum of 9 months (39 weeks) with no upper limit
- Not be on another DWP contracted provision
- Not be receiving any employed earnings
Self-employed claimants can also be referred.
Work coaches will select JSA IB claimants who are eligible and suitable for a referral to the Restart Scheme.
Participation in the Restart Scheme will continue to be mandatory for all claimants who are referred, and the support will last for a maximum of 12 months.
