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<p>There are varied and complex reasons behind a person’s homelessness and that is
why it is DWP’s priority to ensure homeless people get the appropriate support they
need to move into work so they can succeed and move on with their lives. There is
a range of support available for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,
and this includes help for people to make a Universal Credit claim and access the
Jobcentre Plus employment offer.</p><p> </p><p>Work Coaches take into account the
individual circumstances and capabilities of homeless claimants, with conditionality
requirements tailored to their specific needs, as set out in their Claimant Commitment.
Work Coaches can apply easements to work-related requirements if someone is homeless,
or is at risk of homelessness, to allow them time to arrange alternative accommodation.
Easements take the form of a specified period where the requirement to be available,
looking for and able to take up work is “switched off” and linked to a review of any
other requirements.</p><p> </p><p>From October 2018, Jobcentres in England are legally
required to offer a voluntary referral to claimants who may be homeless or threatened
with homelessness to a local housing authority of the claimant’s choice. This earlier
intervention is intended to give people the stability they need to move into, and
remain in, work. The Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) of the Local Housing Allowance
applies to claimants who are under 35, living on their own, and renting privately,
regardless of the size of property that they rent. However, there are exemptions from
the SAR for the most vulnerable, including those aged 25 to 34, who have spent at
least three months which do not need to have been continuous, in a homeless hostel/hostels
specialising in rehabilitating and resettling within the community. We are making
changes to this exemption from October 2023, removing the lower limit to include all
those under the age of 35 who meet this criteria. Early policy and delivery work has
begun to deliver these measures and the necessary legislation will be taken forward
in due course<strong>.</strong> For individuals who may require more support and whose
circumstances may make it difficult for them to share accommodation, Discretionary
Housing Payments are available.</p><p> </p><p>Homeless people have priority access
to the Work and Health Programme, so people with experience of homelessness receive
support at the earliest opportunity. At a local level, Jobcentres work in partnership
with local authorities and homeless organisations to sign-post homeless claimants
to housing services and other specialised support.</p>
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