Exemptions within Joint Claims for JSA

Transcription

1 Exemptions within Joint Claims for JSA Joint Claims within JSA 1. A joint claim means that both members of a couple must meet the labour market conditions, availability, actively seeking work and signing up to a JSAg, in order to be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance. Joint Claims applies to couples who claim income-based Jobseeker s Allowance (JSA (IB)). 2. A couple must be a joint claim if neither of them are responsible for a child or young person and at least one member is aged 18 or over; and born after 28 October 1947; and under state pension age. Responsible for children 3. Couples do not need to be part of a joint claim if either one of them is responsible for a child or qualifying young person. A couple counts as being responsible for a child or qualifying young person if: they are receiving child benefit for the child or young person; or no one is receiving child benefit for the child or young person but: the child or young person usually lives with the couple: or one member of the couple has claimed child benefit for the child or young person but the claim has not yet been decided; or someone else is responsible for the child or young person but the child or young person is living with the couple so they can attend school; or the couple are looking after the child or young person for the local authority or a voluntary organisation (or in Scotland only they have been boarded out with the couple) under specific provisions; or the couple are looking after the child or young person with a view to adoption. Joint Claim Exemptions 4. There are some claimants within a joint claim who, because of their circumstances, cannot meet certain JSA conditions, these claimants are still required to be part of a joint claim but they can apply for an exemption if they meet the criteria within any of the exemption categories. 5. Claimants who apply for an exemption from JSA conditions are still required to attend a New Jobseeker Interview (NJI) unless in very exceptional circumstances, they are unable to attend the Jobcentre. In such cases, the claimant can request that their NJI is postponed.

2 Exemption categories within Joint Claims for JSA 6. A member of a joint claim couple may apply for an exemption if they are unable to meet the conditions for receiving JSA and they meet the criteria within any of the Exemption categories. See Joint Claims Exemptions Categories for further information. Applying for a Joint Claim Exemption 7. A claimant can apply for an exemption when making a new or repeat joint claim or at any time during the life of their claim. 8. Exemptions are not granted automatically; they have to be requested by the claimant. However, if a member of staff identifies that a claimant may fall within an exemption category they should be given information about exemptions, so that the claimant can decide what route they wish to take in claiming benefit. 9. In many cases a claimant does not have to be exempt just because they fit into one of the exemption categories. There are flexibilities within JSA that should be explored before considering an exemption, as they enable the person to keep in touch with the labour market. See the Labour Market Conditions Guide for further information. 10. It is the claimant s responsibility to supply evidence to support their request to be exempt. Although if another benefit is in payment, Customer Information System (CIS) can be used to verify this. Issuing the exemption application form 11. If a claimant requests to be exempt the applicant s client record on LMS must be reviewed: 12. If the other member of the couple is already exempt, refer to Both claimants within a joint claim request to be exempt for further information. 13. Complete the following boxes on a JSA6 (Application to be excused from certain Jobseeker s Allowance conditions for joint claims), before issuing the form to the claimant: Issued by; Date of Issue; Office Address; and Return by (this must be seven calendar days from the date of issue). 14. Record the date the JSA6 was issued in the applicant s LMS record in client conversations and, if possible, in JSAPS Dialogue JA110. (If the JSAPS record is not yet available at the time the JSA6 is issued, or if the claim is clerically maintained, record the information on a JSA1C and send it to the BDC).

3 15. Explain to the applicant that they will not be granted the exemption until the JSA6 and all appropriate pieces of evidence are received and the exemption determination is made. They must be made aware that if they are not meeting the JSA conditions any delay in providing evidence could affect their payment of JSA. Refer to Status of the exemption during the exemption application period for further information. 16. A claimant applying for an exemption is still required to attend an NJI unless, in very exceptional circumstances, they are unable to attend the Jobcentre, in which case they may also apply to have their NJI postponed. If the applicant also requests to have their NJI postponed, issue an NJI postponement form (JCNJIAPP). 17. Create a joint claims Workflow for seven calendar days (or as appropriate, if the timescale has been extended), to check whether the JSA6 has been returned. If a JCNJIAPP has also been issued, this Workflow should be used to check for return of both forms. Additional exemption procedures required for the Full-time Education category 18. If the claimant is applying for an exemption under the category of FTE there are additional procedures required for the issue of the JSA6. Depending on the claimant s circumstances, the JSA6 must be completed either: at the time of making a claim where the person is already in FTE; or not earlier than six weeks before the start date of FTE, where a place has been allocated to start or an application has been made to start a full-time course. Course not due to start until a later date 19. When a place is allocated, an application made or examination results are awaited, the claimant applying for the exemption must be made aware that they must still meet JSA conditions and seek temporary employment until the FTE course begins. Exemption application form issued by post 20. If a JSA6 is posted to a claimant requesting an exemption, ensure that the applicant is aware that they are required to return the completed JSA6 and all appropriate evidence to the Jobcentre within seven calendar days. 21. Ensure that the return by date is clearly marked on the top of the JSA6 and if possible, make a note on a compliment slip and attach it to the JSA Inform the claimant that delays in returning the JSA6 and evidence may affect their payment of JSA.

4 Claimant unable to complete the exemption application form 23. A JSA6 can be issued to either member of a joint claim couple but wherever possible, it must be completed and signed by the claimant requiring the exemption. However, if they are unable to complete the JSA6, the other member of the couple can complete it on their behalf. 24. In exceptional circumstances, where for reasons connected with their health condition or disability the claimant is incapable of signing or making their mark, the other member of the couple can also sign the JSA6 on their behalf. 25. If required, a third party could request a JSA6 or complete it on behalf of the joint claim couple, however one member of the joint claim couple should sign the form. Exemption application form returned to the Jobcentre 26. The date that the JSA6 is returned to the Jobcentre, must be recorded in the for our use box on the form. 27. Where appropriate any document used as supporting evidence that has been provided must be photocopied and returned. The copy must be attached to the JSA6. In addition, if an NJI postponement has been requested, take an additional copy of the evidence is required for attaching to the JCNJIAPP. 28. The following information must be recorded in LMS client conversations: the date the JSA6 was returned; and details of the evidence provided. E.g. the start and end dates of courses, or any expiry dates on certificates. 29. The LMS joint claims Workflow must be cleared. Refer to the LMS Users Guide for further information. 30. If the JSA6 and evidence is returned prior to the applicant s NJI, they should be passed to the adviser which will enable them to discuss the exemption request with the claimant, and if appropriate, the possibility of a restricted JSAg. Exemption application form not returned to the Jobcentre 31. If the JSA6 has not been returned to the Jobcentre within seven days from the date of issue, arrange an interview for the applicant. 32. Issue clerical notifications JCEX3A to the applicant and JCEX3P to the other member of the couple to inform them that the applicant is required to attend an interview. Record the date, time and place of the interview on the JCEX3A. If a JCNJIAPP has been issued and has not been returned this must also be reflected when completing the notifications. Note: If the applicant is a programme participant issue clerical notifications JCEX5A to the applicant and JCEX5P to the other member of the couple.

5 33. In the applicant s LMS record, update client conversations to show that an interview has been booked because the JSA6 has not been returned, and confirm that the JCEX3A or JCEX5A has been sent. 34. In addition, access the LMS record of the other member of the joint claim couple and confirm in client conversations the JCEX3P or JCEX5P have been sent. 35. Clear the joint claims Workflow. Refer to the LMS Users Guide for further information. Referring the exemption application to a Decision Maker 36. Exemption Decisions are made by either the Labour Market Decision Maker or the Decision Maker DMA, depending upon the actual exemption category being used. See Exemption categories within Joint Claims for JSA for further information. 37. Before referring the exemption application to the appropraite decision maker, access the applicant s LMS record to ensure that the receipt of the JSA6 and evidence has been recorded in conversations. 38. The exemption marker on LMS must be set to show Exemption Applied For using the pull down menu. Refer to the LMS User Guide for further information. 39. To prevent any delay in payment, the JSA6 and evidence should be faxed immediately to the appropriate Decision Maker for a determination, along with a completed ES567 if referring the case to a Labour Market Decision Maker. Completing the referral form ES For identification purposes, the ES567 must be clearly marked across the top Exemption. 41. Complete parts 1-5 as fully as possible, ignore the suspension details box, and ensure that the name, date of birth and National Insurance number of the claimant who is not applying for an exemption are also recorded in the notes box. 42. In the question box, note the reason for referral as appropriate ie. New exemption application, further exemption determination required or revised exemption determination required. Exemption application considered by a Decision Maker 43. The Decision Maker must consider if the exemption criteria are met, and decide if the exemption can be granted to the applicant based on the information contained on the JSA6 and any supporting evidence provided. See Exemption Categories for information on the exemption criteria. Additional evidence is requested 44. If necessary, the Decision Maker will contact the applicant direct to request any additional information, following existing procedures. If the Decision

6 Maker has requested extra evidence they will also notify the Jobcentre clerically using a JSA1C, for information only. 45. On receipt of the JSA1C, the jobcentre must access the applicant s LMS record and note in client conversations that extra evidence has been requested. 46. If the applicant does not provide the additional evidence required, the exemption will be determined on the evidence supplied. Exemption determined by the Decision Maker 47. After the Decision Maker has considered the exemption application and determined whether an exemption can be granted, a notification for the Jobcentre is produced by the Decision Making and Appeals System (DMAS). The DMAS notification will refer to the decision as a determination. This is to avoid any confusion as exemption determinations are not outcome decisions and not appealable in their own right. 48. For exemption determinations there are two possible options regarding the length of the exemption period. These are: a from date - This is used where the end date cannot be ascertained at the time the determination is made. An open-ended determination (a from date only given) remains in force until the reasons for the exemption change. a from and a to date - This is used where the end date can be ascertained from evidence at the time the determination is made. An exemption determination with a definite exemption period (a from and a to date given) will never be given for more than one year 49. The period of exemption must be relevant to the reason for the exemption and reflect the circumstances of the case, for example, a person required to attend court would be exempt for the period of attendance, whilst a claimant in relevant education may be exempt to the end of the academic year. 50. Exemptions are granted for complete benefit weeks and the from date on the notification will be the beginning of the claimant s benefit week, with the exception of an exemption granted at the start of a new claim. The to date will be the end of the claimant s benefit week. Action required when an exemption is granted 51. If an exemption is granted by the Decision Maker, a DMAS notice will be sent to the Jobcentre showing the outcome as Granted.On receipt of this notice the following action must be taken: 52. Set the exemption marker on the LMS pull down menu to indicate the applicant s client status as YES - Exempt. Setting this marker will automatically change the client status of the other member of the couple to show YES Partner Exempt ; and prevent any interview hotspots being generated while the claimant is exempt.

7 53. Access the applicant s records on JSAPS and use Dialogue JA050 to update the joint claim to show they are exempt. Record details of the applicant s ID, start date of exemption period, end date of exemption period, if known, and the code relating to the exemption reason. Further information on the use of JSAPS Dialogue JA050 is available in the JSA System Reference Guide. 54. Consult an adviser to determine a review date. In certain circumstances, a definite exemption period will be given by the Decision Maker and the exemption will normally be reviewed in line with this date. In other cases the review date will depend on the individual s circumstances. 55. Access the applicant s LMS record and update client conversations with details of the exemption determination, the reason the exemption has been granted, the exemption period, if known, and the review date. 56. In addition, ensure the reason the exemption has been granted, the date of the determination, the review date and the DMAS reference number are recorded in the for our use box on the JSA Issue clerical notifications JCEX1A and JCEX1P to inform the joint claim couple the exemption has been granted and for what period, if known. However, if the applicant is a programme participant, issue clerical notifications JCEX6A to the applicant and JCEX6P to the other member of the couple. 58. Access the LMS records of both members of the joint claim and note in client conversations for each claimant which notifications have been issued and the date of issue. 59. Create a joint claims Workflow to prompt the exemption to be reviewed. Refer to the LMS Users Guide for further information. 60. Photocopy the completed JSA6 and the DMAS notification and send the copies to the BDC to inform them of the determination. 61. File the JSA6 in the Labour Market Unit (LMU) and the DMAS notification and case papers as per local arrangements. Note: that case papers will always be returned to the Jobcentre and will be required when the exemption is reviewed at a later date Claimant on Work Programme 62. It is important that once exemption has been granted that the Work Programme Provider is notified of the change of circumstances via the issuing of a WP07b. Full details can be found here. 63. Similarly, if the exemption period ends the Work Programme Provider will need to be informed. Full details of how to do this can be found here.

8 Creating a Workflow to review an exemption Creating a Workflow where the exemption has a defined exemption period 64. Where the exemption has a defined exemption period (a from and to date have been given), it will not always be possible to review an exemption three weeks before the to date. In these circumstances the joint claims Workflow should be set to allow as much time as possible for the exemption to be reviewed. It is essential that continuing evidence is provided as quickly as possible if the exemption is still required. 65. It is important that the exemption is reviewed and a determination made before the exemption to date is reached. If a to date was input to JSAPS in Dialogue JA050 when the exemption was granted, the exemption will automatically end once this date is reached. If a further determination has been granted, or a revised determination has been made, and the exemption is to continue, the to date must be updated on JSAPS before the end of the original exemption period. This will enable the exemption periods to run consecutively. 66. If an exemption has ended and the claimant still requires an exemption, they must complete a further exemption application form (JSA6). This should be treated as a new application and referred to the Decision Maker with supporting evidence. Creating a Workflow where the exemption has no defined exemption period 67. If an exemption has been granted by the Decision Maker and a defined exemption period cannot be determined, an open-ended exemption would be granted with only a from date. A start date would be input to JSAPS in Dialogue JA050, but no end date. This means that the exemption will continue until it is ended by the Decision Maker giving a revised determination following a change of circumstance. 68. If the exemption does not have a defined exemption period, the adviser must determine when the exemption should be reviewed. The joint claims Workflow should be set for the required review date. 69. Although the exemption will not end automatically, the exempt claimant must still return the JSA164 and provide evidence within seven days, if they wish the exemption to continue. 70. If an exemption has ended and the claimant still wishes to remain exempt, they must complete another exemption application form (JSA6). This must be submitted to the Decision Maker as a new exemption application with appropriate evidence. Action required when an exemption is not granted 71. If an exemption is not granted by the Decision Maker, a DMAS notification is sent to the Jobcentre showing the outcome as Not Granted. On receipt of this notice the following procedure must be taken:

9 72. Set the exemption marker on the LMS pull down menu to indicate the applicant s client status as YES - Exemption not granted. 73. Access the applicant s LMS record and update client conversations with details of the exemption determination and the reason the exemption has not been granted. 74. Ensure the reason the exemption has not been granted, the date of the determination, and the DMAS reference number are recorded in the for our use box on the JSA Photocopy the completed JSA6 and the DMAS notification and send the copies to the BDC to inform them of the determination. 76. Issue clerical notifications JCEX2A and JCEX2P to inform the joint claim couple the exemption has not been granted and the action they are required to take. However, if the applicant is a programme participant issue clerical notifications JCEX7A to the applicant and JCEX7P to the other member of the couple. 77. Access the LMS records of both members of the joint claim and note in client conversations for each claimant which notifications have been issued and the date of issue. 78. File the JSA6 in the Labour Market Unit (LMU) and the DMAS notification and case papers as per local arrangements. Claimant required to meet Jobseeker s Allowance conditions 79. If an exemption is not granted or an exemption period has ended, the applicant is required to meet the JSA conditions before their joint claim can continue. To do this, the applicant must either: attend an interview with an adviser to review their circumstances, discuss attendance arrangements and agree/review a JSAg if appropriate; or continue to attend, or resume attendance at, the Jobcentre on their next attendance day to sign their declaration if they have been exempt for 14 days or less, or their exemption application is turned down. Claimant required to attend an interview 80. In most cases an advisory interview would be required when an exemption ends or an exemption application is turned down. During this interview, the adviser will explain the JSA conditions to the claimant, agree a JSAg, and discuss attendance arrangements. 81. If at any time, either member of the joint claim couple reports a change of circumstance, which could affect the exemption, an advisory interview should be arranged to review the exemption. A change of circumstance may mean that an exemption is no longer appropriate and the exempt claimant may be required to meet JSA conditions.

10 82. Where the joint claim has ended the exemption is no longer appropriate. The previously exempt claimant may wish to pursue a single claim for JSA, if they are able to meet the JSA conditions. However, if the claimant is not able to meet JSA conditions, an advisory interview should be arranged to enable the adviser to discuss the claimant s circumstances and if appropriate refer them to another benefit. 83. If an interview is required following the end of an exemption or if an exemption has not been granted, the exempt claimant s LMS record must be viewed to determine whether they require a NJI or an advisory interview as follows: If the exempt claimant has already attended a NJI, an advisory interview is required to agree a JSAg and discuss attendance arrangements. If the exempt claimant has not attended a NJI because they have applied for, or been granted, a NJI postponement, a NJI should be arranged. Claimant required to attend the Jobcentre 84. If the exempt claimant was an active claimant as part of an existing joint claim prior to their exemption application, they may not require an advisory interview if their exemption application is not granted, or they have been exempt for 14 days or less. 85. If the JSAg and attendance arrangements previously agreed are still appropriate, the exempt claimant can resume/continue their attendance at the Jobcentre. 86. However, if there has been any change in the claimant s circumstances, an advisory interview must be booked to review their circumstances, even if they have been exempt for less than 14 days or had their exemption application turned down. Backdated exemption determinations 87. Exemption determinations may apply to backdated periods. 88. The exemption application and determination process described in this guide also applies to backdated periods. An application and a referral to the Decision Maker is needed before the exemption can be granted. Updating LMS for a backdated exemption period 89. Update the joint claims marker on the applicant s LMS record to Yes - Exemption Applied For when the exemption application form (JSA6) is passed to the decision maker. 90. When the decision is received update LMS as follows: Exemption period entirely in the past and payment of JSA has been made 91. Move the joint claims marker on the applicant s LMS record from Yes - Exemption Applied For to the appropriate value. If an exemption has been

11 granted move the marker to Yes Exempt. Then return the claimant to the appropriate status for their joint claim. In most cases this will be to move their joint claim marker to Yes. 92. If the other member of the joint claim is currently exempt, LMS will prevent the status of the applicant being changed to exempt. Therefore, a temporary change to the other claimant s joint claim marker value must be made, however the status must be returned to its original setting after the backdated exemption is input. Exemption period entirely in the past and payment of JSA has NOT been made 93. Move the applicant s joint claims marker from Yes - Exemption Applied For to the appropriate value. If an exemption has been granted move the marker to Yes - Exempt. Then return the claimant to the appropriate status for their joint claim. In most cases this will be to move their joint claim marker to Yes. 94. If the other member of the joint claim is currently exempt, LMS will prevent the status of the applicant being changed to exempt. Therefore, a temporary change to the other claimant s joint claim marker value must be made, however the status must be returned to its original setting after the backdated exemption is input. Exemption period continues from a past period into an unpaid period of JSA - some JSA for the past period has been paid 95. Move the joint claims marker from Yes - Exemption Applied For to the appropriate value. If an exemption has been granted move the marker to Yes - Exempt. 96. If the other member of the joint claim is currently exempt, LMS will prevent the status of the applicant being changed to exempt. Therefore, a temporary change to the other claimant s joint claim marker value must be made, however the status must be returned to its original setting after the backdated exemption is input. 97. However, the periods of exemption from each claimant must not coincide. If both claimants within a joint claim request to be exempt, refer to both claimants within a joint claim request to be exempt for further information on how to deal with simultaneous applications. Exemption period continues from a past period into an unpaid period of JSA - No JSA paid for the past period 98. Take action as in Action required when an exemption is granted. Marking the labour market unit of an exempt claimant 99. A labour market unit (LMU) must be assembled for claimants who are applying for an exemption as they will still have case papers and other documents that will need to be retained. The LMU of an exempt claimant should be marked up in some way to identify that they are exempt.

12 Both claimants within a joint claim request to be exempt 100. Both members of a couple cannot be exempt at any one time. In circumstances where both members of the couple want to apply for an exemption they should be made aware that only one of them can be granted an exemption. They have several options in this situation: the couple can agree which one of them should apply for the exemption and which one will agree to meet the conditions for receiving JSA and submit one exemption application only; or they can both apply and submit exemption application forms and evidence for a determination. If both applications are successful the couple must decide who will be exempt and who will meet JSA conditions if they wish to be part of a joint claim; or if they are both unable to meet the conditions for receiving JSA the joint claim will end and they may be able to claim any other benefits that are appropriate to them As exemptions apply to each whole benefit week and only one member of the couple can be exempt at any one time, both members of the couple cannot be exempt within the same benefit week. In these circumstances, the adviser must explain what the consequences of their actions will be when they apply for an exemption from a certain date. Exemption application period 102. The exemption application period is the period from the date the JSA6 was issued up to the time the determination is made. Status of the exemption during the exemption application period 103. During the exemption application period the claimant applying for the exemption is not exempt from satisfying JSA conditions. The exemption does not come into force until the evidence has been received and the determination to grant the exemption is made During the exemption application period the applicant, although not exempt, does not have to meet certain JSA conditions from the date the exemption is required, if they do not wish to, or, if they are not capable of doing so. However, the applicant may wish to meet the JSA conditions on a temporary basis until their exemption has been granted, with a restricted JSAg if appropriate If a claimant can meet the JSA conditions on a temporary basis during the exemption application period, they will not lose payment of JSA if the exemption is not granted. Payment is not made in respect of the applicant for the exemption application period, where they have not been meeting the JSA conditions, unless the exemption is granted.

13 106. Certain claimants cannot meet the JSA conditions during the exemption application period. These claimants are unable to meet the capability or availability conditions for receiving JSA. In these circumstances, they must be made aware that if their exemption is not granted they will not receive payment of JSA in respect of themselves, for any period in which they were not meeting the JSA conditions. However, if an exemption is granted, any payment due to a claimant will be paid as soon as the exemption determination is received Where the applicant is a programme participant they should be encouraged to continue to participate in their programme or New Deal provision if possible, until their exemption is determined. This will ensure that their Allowance payment is not affected if there is a delay in granting the exemption. It will also prevent any possible loss of payment if the exemption is subsequently not granted If the applicant is unable to continue to participate in their programme or New Deal provision, they can return to JSA and apply for an exemption. However, a payment of JSA will not be made for any period that they were not meeting the JSA conditions, until the exemption is granted. Payments during the exemption application period Payment where an exemption is applied for in the life of a joint claim 109. Where an exemption is applied for in the life of a joint claim, a payment will be made in respect of the claimant who is not applying for an exemption, if there is insufficient evidence or time for the Decision Maker to determine whether the exemption can be granted before the payment becomes due; and it is not possible to allow a temporary period of unavailability; or the claimant applying for the exemption does not wish to, or is unable to, meet the JSA conditions or, continue to participate in their programme or New Deal provision on a temporary basis until the determination is made In these circumstances, a payment at the single rate of JSA or an Allowance payment, will be made in respect of the claimant who is not applying for the exemption, with the income and the capital of the household taken into account. JSAPS cannot make the payment in these circumstances and the claim will be transferred to clerical in order for the payment to be made If the exemption is granted, any payment arrears due in respect of the person applying for the exemption will be paid. Payment where an exemption is applied for at the start of a new or repeat joint claim 112. Where an exemption is applied for at the start of a new or repeat joint claim, in the majority of cases there will be sufficient evidence to enable an exemption determination to be made before any payments are due. The

14 evidence may not be supplied at the NJI but should be supplied quickly enough not to delay payment However, there may be a few cases where the claimant applying for an exemption is unable to supply evidence quickly and payment of JSA is affected If the claimant is unwilling or unable to meet the JSA conditions during the exemption application period and a payment is due before the exemption is determined, the BDC will pay the member of the couple not applying for an exemption at the single rate of JSA with the income and the capital of the household taken into account. JSAPS cannot make the payment in these circumstances and the claim will be transferred to clerical in order for the payment to be made In circumstances where there are other reasons to delay making a payment, for example, there is insufficient information concerning previous pay or savings, there will be a delay in making any payment until those enquiries are complete. Requests for an explanation or reconsideration of an exemption determination 116. An exemption determination is not an outcome decision and therefore it is not appealable in its own right, but either or both members of a joint claim couple can ask for an explanation or reconsideration There is no dispute period for an exemption determination, so the request can be made at any time. Transferring a claim where one member of the couple is exempt 118. When a claim is transferred, the exemption can stay in force unless their circumstances have changed as a result of the transfer and they are no longer eligible for an exemption The action required will depend on the individual s circumstances: where the exemption is no longer appropriate, the exempt claimant must declare this as a change of circumstance and the exemption must be reviewed. See Reviewing Exemptions for further information; where a joint claim couple transfer and the exemption is not affected, the exemption can continue. A new application form (JSA6) is not required. The exempt claimant should attend an NJI, unless they have been granted a postponement and the adviser should confirm that the exemption is still relevant; if only one member of the couple transfers and the joint claim ends, the exemption will no longer be appropriate and the exempt claimant must be invited to attend an interview. Refer to Claimant required to attend an interview for details of the action to take;

15 if the previously exempt claimant transfers to form a new partnership and makes a joint claim with another claimant, they must make a new exemption application if they still require an exemption. Refer to Issuing the exemption application form for information. Exempt from having to be in Great Britain 120. Where a member of a joint claim couple has been granted an exemption they can also be exempt from the requirement to be in Great Britain (GB), as a condition of receiving JSA However, after the first four weeks of the absence the amount of JSA the couple receive will be affected. If the exempt claimant has not returned to Great Britain within the four week timescale, payment will only be made in respect of the other member of the couple who is in GB, at the single rate of JSA, with the income and capital of the household taken into account This is not an exemption category in its own right, but one of the conditions a claimant does not have to meet if they are exempt. A joint claim claimant cannot apply for an exemption because they wish to go out of Great Britain.