THOUSANDS of households on Universal Credit could be entitled to half price travel fares with a discount card.
The Jobcentre Plus travel card is available for free and cuts the cost of travelling on public transport, including buses and trains, by 50%.
The discount card is only available to those who are unemployed but looking for work, and who claim certain benefits including Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
The cards are supposed to be used to cut the cost of getting to and from job interviews.
All train operators in England, Scotland and Wales accept the discount and are valid for up to three months.
It’s also accepted by Transport For London, and lets users save money by purchasing a seven-day or monthly travel card at a child’s rate.
But just because you’re on benefits doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be given one.
The cards are handed out by Jobcentre staff on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the work coaches.
You may be refused a card even if you meet the criteria, for example, if travelling on public transport isn’t accessible where you live.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of appealing a work coach’s decision if your application is turned down.
If you meet any of the below criteria, you may be able to get a card:
- Universal Credit claimants in the all work related requirements group from 13 weeks to 39 weeks for ages 18 to 24 and from 13 weeks to 52 weeks for ages 25 and over
- Universal Credit claimants not in the all work related requirements group who are actively engaged with a work coach in returning to employment.
- JSA Claimants from 13 weeks to 39 weeks for ages 18 to 24 and 13 weeks to 52 weeks for ages 25 and over
- Employment Support Allowance and Income Support claimants who are actively engaged with a work coach in returning to employment.
The all work related requirements group means you are expected to do all you can to find a job or earn more.
This includes looking and applying for jobs and going to interviews.
Those not in this group may still be expected to go to regular meetings with their work coach and do things like write a CV.
If you claim any of the above benefits – and are interested in a Jobcentre Plus travel card – but you’re not sure which category you fall into, it may be worth speaking to your work coach or contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For those who don’t fall into any of the above categories, you may still be able to get help with travel costs through the Flexible Support Fund.
This is a pot of money that’s managed by local job centres that can be issued on top of other benefits.
The grants can be use to help cover the costs of things like childcare, uniforms or work tools as long as they help you get a job, including public transport.
The funds don’t have to be paid back but again, claimants don’t have an automatic right to receive the help as it’s up to the discretion of the adviser.
To find our if you qualify for the boost, speak to your work coach at your nearest Jobcentre, which you can find on its website.