Brits claiming benefits could have their payments reduced, or stopped altogether, if they fail or refuse to look for work under new Government plans. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce changes to the welfare benefits scheme today at the Conservative Party conference. 

It is said the Government will look at the benefit sanctions regime to make it harder for people to claim welfare while refusing to take “active steps” to move into work, with proposals due to be set out in November’s Autumn Statement.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jeremy Hunt is considering making changes to benefit payments made to Brits.Jeremy Hunt is considering making changes to benefit payments made to Brits. (Image: free)

Who is eligible for benefits?

You can claim benefits, according to the Gov.uk website, if you fall under any of the following categories:

  • If you are looking for work
  • If you are temporarily unable to work
  • If you are taking time away from work due to the birth or adoption of a child
  • If you are disabled or have a health condition
  • If you are caring for someone
  • If you are on a low-income
  • If you are taking time away from work due to a death

What benefits can people apply for?

Depending on the category you fall under you can apply for a range of different benefit schemes.

These include:

  • Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Penson Credit
  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
  • Maternity pay and leave
  • Maternity allowance
  • Paternity pay and leave
  • Carer's Allowance
  • Guardian's Allowance

As it stands, under the Jobseeker's Allowance those aged 24 and under are entitled to up to £67.20 a month. 

While those aged 25 and over and entitled to up to £84.80 a week.

To check if you are eligible for any form of benefits and just how much you could receive visit the Gov.uk website. 

Benefit payments could be reduced or stopped if certain requirements are not met

However, under new plans, set to be outlined today by Mr Hunt at the Conservative Party conference people on benefits could have their payments reduced or stopped if they fail to look for work or refuse a job offer.

Mr Hunt said: “I am incredibly proud to live in a country where, as Churchill said, there’s a ladder everyone can climb but also a safety net below which no-one falls.

“But paying for that safety net is a social contract that depends on fairness to those in work alongside compassion to those who are not.

“That means work must pay, and we’re making sure it does. From last year, for the first time ever, you can earn £1,000 a month without paying a penny of tax or national insurance.

“But since the pandemic, things have being going in the wrong direction. Whilst companies struggle to find workers, around 100,000 people are leaving the labour force every year for a life on benefits.

“As part of that we will look at the way the sanctions regime works. It is a fundamental matter of fairness.

“Those who won’t even look for work do not deserve the same benefits as people trying hard to do the right thing.”