New Deal 50+ is a voluntary programme designed for people aged
50 or over who have been claiming benefits for 6 months or more.
The programme consists of three elements, which are designed to
help older people back into employment after long-term
unemployment:
- Finding paid employment
- Working Tax Credits
- Training Grant
Participants do not have to take part in all three elements of
the programme if they find work.
Finding Paid Employment
Lasting up to 6 months, participants are provided with advice,
support and free access to the necessary tools to help find work or
start their own business and become self-employed.
Working Tax Credits
Once a participant has found work or they have become
self-employed, benefit payments can be replaced with Working Tax
Credits. Working Tax Credits are extra payments by the Government
designed to top up wages.
Training Grant
After successfully entering employment or self-employment, a
Training Grant of up to £750 can be awarded to help develop
skills relevant to the participant's job or business. The Grant can
only be used once the participant is in paid
employment/self-employment and can be claimed up to 2 years after
receiving Working Tax Credit.
If a participant is interested in training or work experience
they should take advantage of
Work Based Learning for Adults
(WBLA) before entering the New Deal 50+ programme.