Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether people who are (a) deemed to be employed but who are unable to work as a result of the effect of covid-19 on their employment or self-employment, (b) ineligible for universal credit as a result of means testing and (c) ineligible for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self Employment Income Support Scheme, are eligible for Jobseekers Allowance.

a) Those deemed to be in employment as a result of receiving support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme will not be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance if they usually work 16 hours or more per week. In order to be entitled to Jobseeker’s Allowance, claimants must satisfy a number of entitlement conditions, one of which is not being engaged in full time work. Those who usually work less than 16 hours per week are part-time workers and can apply.

b) Jobseeker’s Allowance is a personal contribution-based benefit. Eligibility depends on someone having worked as an employee and having paid enough national insurance contributions, usually in the two full tax years before the calendar year in which they make their claim. They must also meet the following entitlement conditions:

• are not engaged in work of 16 hours or more per week
• do not have limited capability for work
• are not receiving relevant education
• are under pensionable age
• are in Great Britain
• have accepted a Claimant Commitment

c) Those ineligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme or Self Employment Income Support Scheme may be eligible if they meet the conditions as set out in b) above.