Explanatory note

Regulation 2 of these Regulations amends the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/207).

The amendments in paragraph (2)(a) and (d) provide that a person with a long-term mental impairment, or who is homeless within the meaning of legislation applying respectively in England, Wales and Scotland, is a person in hardship for the purposes of those Regulations. This means that the person may receive immediate hardship payments of jobseeker’s allowance in cases where that allowance would otherwise not be paid or the amount paid is being reduced.

The amendments in paragraph (4)(a) and (d) make identical provision in relation to a couple claiming jobseeker’s allowance where either member of the couple has a mental impairment or is homeless.

Paragraphs (2)(c) and (4)(c) make consequential amendments and paragraphs (2)(b), (3) and (4)(b) make previously missed consequential amendments.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on business or civil society organisations.