Joint Claims Websites
Site 1
Site Name: Job Centre Plus
Domain Name: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: This is a U.K. Government sponsored website that helps those out of work with JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) payments which is the equivalent of unemployment benefits in the U.S. People who are married are advised to make joint claims to be able to avail of its benefits such as employment assistance. There are certain conditions to be met to qualify for these benefits such as being available for work immediately, the type of work and the capability to work in that particular job. A person can be exempted from joint claims if he is still studying, giving care to someone and if he is incapable of work (such as being sick).
Site 2
Site Name: Newcastle.gov.uk
Domain Name: http://www.newcastle.gov.uk
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: This site explains in greater detail the same requirements to qualify for joint claims under JSA (unemployment benefits). Additional exemptions are if the wife is pregnant, legally blind, aged 60 or more, a refugee studying English to seek gainful regular employment, works for more than 16 per day and one partner is not a regular country resident. Failure to comply will invite sanctions such as stoppage of benefit payments or payments with reduced amounts. The exceptions will allow one member to claim benefits in behalf of the other member. Sanctions are imposed to make those unemployed to actively seek employment.
Site 3
Site Name: The U.K. Statute Law Database
Domain Name: http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk
Overall Rating: 4/5
Summary: This site contains the amendments to the JSA joint claims law but this time, as applicable to Northern Ireland. A significant amendment is the change in the birth year of one member of the couple from 1957 to 1947 as long as they have been childless. Additional exemptions are also incorporated such as allowing one member to jointly claim as long as the other member of the couple had not made a claim under certain conditions. The Department for Social Development is the governmental body tasked to implement these new rules. The law states that certain people groups have to file joint claims to qualify for these benefits.