New Deal 50+ aims to help people aged 50 and over who are looking for or considering a return to work. Many people over 50 find that although they want to work, it is difficult to find a worthwhile job that pays a decent wage. Others want to work but need help and advice.
New Deal 50+ is for you if you are 50 or over, are not working and have been receiving one of the following benefits for at least six months:
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Incapacity Benefit
- Severe Disablement Allowance
It is also available to you if your husband/wife is claiming benefit for you or if you have been receiving National Insurance Credits.
Time spent on Invalid Care Allowance and Bereavement Benefits also count towards the six months.
The programme is entirely voluntary - it's up to you whether you take part.
What help is available?You can choose to have one-to-one personal advice, a wide range of practical help from a Personal Adviser at your local Jobs & Benefits office / JobCentre 
, to help you find a job that is suitable for you. They will help you consider all the opportunities open to you and offer you support through a series of interviews.
- You may be entitled to additional help by way of an increase in your Working Tax Credit (administered by the Inland Revenue). This is a payment to top up the earnings of people on low incomes. The amount you get will depend on your household's income.
- A Training Grant of up to £1500 may also be available when you start work. £1200 can be used to improve your existing skills and up to £300 can be used to learn new skills to help you stay in work. The Training Grant can be claimed over two years from the date you started New Deal 50+.
Visit or telephone your local Jobs & Benefits office / JobCentre .