Work search and work availability requirements reintroduced from 3 August 2020 for new and existing claimants of jobseeker’s allowance in Northern Ireland

However, Department for Communities advises that the requirements are still suspended for existing claims for universal credit

Work search and work availability requirements have been reintroduced with effect from 3 August 2020 for new and existing claimants of jobseeker's allowance in Northern Ireland.

Updating its guidance 'Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Benefits', the Department for Communities has confirmed that - 

'Work search and work availability requirements have ... been reinstated from 3 August 2020 for new and existing claims to jobseeker’s allowance.'

However, while claimant commitments were introduced for new universal credit claims from 15 July 2020, the Department advises that work search and work availability requirements continue to be removed for existing claims for universal credit.

For more information, see Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Benefits from nidirect.gov.uk