The Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996

Meaning of “person in hardship"

140.—(1) In this Part of these Regulations, a “person in hardship" means for the purposes of regulation 141 a claimant, other than a claimant to whom paragraph (3) or (4) applies [F1 or a member of a joint-claim couple and regulation 3E does not apply], who—

(a) is a single woman–

(i) who is pregnant; and

(ii) in respect of whom [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid to her, she will suffer hardship; or

(b) is a single person who is responsible for a [F3 child or young person], and [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid to the single person, the [F3 child or young person] will suffer hardship; or

(c) is a member of [F4 a couple], where–

[F5 (i) at least one member of the couple is a woman who is pregnant; and]

(ii) [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid, the woman will suffer hardship; or

(d) is a member of a polygamous marriage and–

(i) one member of the marriage is pregnant; and

(ii) [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid, that woman will suffer hardship; or

(e) is a member of [F6 a couple] or of a polygamous marriage where–

(i) one or both members of the couple, or one or more members of the polygamous marriage, are responsible for a child or young person; and

(ii) [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid, the child or young person will suffer hardship; or

(f) has an award of a jobseeker’s allowance which includes or would, if a claim for a jobseeker’s allowance from him were to succeed have included, in his applicable amount a disability premium and—

(i) where the person has an award, a jobseeker’s allowance is not payable F7 ... because it is suspended [F8 or the award is reduced in accordance with section 19 or 19A or regulation 69B]; and

(ii) [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid, the person who would satisfy the conditions of entitlement to that premium would suffer hardship; or

(g) suffers, or whose partner suffers from a chronic medical condition which results in functional capacity being limited or restricted by physical [F9 or mental] impairment and [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that—

(i) the suffering has already lasted, or is likely to last, for not less than 26 weeks; and

(ii) unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid to the claimant the probability is that the health of the person suffering would, within 2 weeks of [F2 the Secretary of State] making his decision, decline further than that of a normally healthy adult and that person would suffer hardship; or

(h) does, or whose partner does, or in the case of a claimant who is married to more than one person under a law which permits polygamy, at least one of those persons do, devote a considerable portion of each week to caring for another person who—

(i) is in receipt of an attendance allowance[F10 , the care component of disability living allowance at one of the two higher rates prescribed under section 72(4) of the Benefits Act or the daily living component of personal independence payment at the standard or enhanced rate in accordance with section 78 of the 2012 Act [F11 or armed forces independence payment]] ; or

(ii) has claimed either attendance allowance[F12 , disability living allowance[F13 , armed forces independence payment] or personal independence payment], but only for so long as the claim has not been determined, or for, 26 weeks from the date of claiming, [F14 whichever is the earlier; or,

(iii) has claimed either attendance allowance or disability living allowance and has an award of either attendance allowance or the care component of disability living allowance at one of the two higher rates prescribed under section 72(4) of the Benefits Act for a period commencing after the date on which that claim was made,] [F15 or

(iv) has claimed personal independence payment and has an award of the daily living component of personal independence payment at the standard or enhanced rate in accordance with section 78 of the 2012 Act for a period commencing after the date on which that claim was made][F16 ; or

(v) has claimed and has an award of armed forces independence payment for a period commencing after the date on which that claim was made,]

and [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied, after taking account of the factors set out in [F17 paragraph (5)] in so far as they are appropriate to the particular circumstances of the case, that the person providing the care will not be able to continue doing so unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid to the claimant; or

(i) is a person or is the partner of a person to whom section 16 applies by virtue of a direction issued by the Secretary of State, except where the person to whom the direction applies does not satisfy the requirements of section 1(2)(a) to (c); or

(j) is a person–

(i) to whom section 3(1)(f)(iii) (persons under the age of 18) applies, or is the partner of such a person; and

(ii) in respect of whom [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that the person will, unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid, suffer [F18 hardship; or].

[F19 (k) is a person

(i) who, pursuant to the Children Act 1989 [F20 or the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014], was being looked after by a local authority;

(ii) with whom the local authority had a duty, pursuant to [F21 either of those Acts], to take reasonable steps to keep in touch; or

(iii) who, pursuant to [F22 either of those Acts], qualified for advice and assistance from a local authority,

but in respect of whom (i), (ii) or, as the case may be, (iii) above had not applied for a period of three years or less as at the date on which he complies with the requirements of regulation 143; and

(iv) as at the date on which he complies with the requirements of regulation 143, is under the age of 21[F23 ; or]]

[F24 (l) is a person who is homeless within the meaning of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, Part 2 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 or Part 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, as the case may be.]

(2) Except in a case to which paragraph (3) F25 ... applies [F26 or where the person in hardship is a member of a joint-claim couple and regulation 3E does not apply] a “person in hardship" means for the purposes of regulation 142, a claimant where [F2 the Secretary of State] is satisfied that he or his partner will suffer hardship unless a jobseeker’s allowance is paid to him.

(3) In paragraphs (1) and (2) a “person in hardship" does not include a claimant who is entitled, or whose partner is entitled, to income support [F27 or an income-related employment and support allowance] or [F28 a claimant or a partner of a claimant] who falls within a category of persons prescribed for the purpose of section 124(1)(e) of the Benefits Act.

(4) Paragraph (1)(h) shall not apply in a case where the person being cared for resides in a [F29 care home, an Abbeyfield Home or an independent hospital].

F30 (4A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F31 (4B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F32 (4C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Factors which, for the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), [F2 the Secretary of State] is to take into account in determining whether a person will suffer hardship are—

(a) the presence in the claimant’s family of a person who satisfies the requirements for a disability premium specified in paragraphs 13 and 14 of Schedule 1 [F33 or [F34 for a disabled child premium specified in paragraph 16 of that Schedule] [F34 an element of child tax credit in respect of a child or young person who is disabled or severely disabled within the meaning of regulation 8 of the Child Tax Credit Regulations 2002];]

(b) the resources which, without a jobseeker’s allowance, are likely to be available to the claimant’s family, the amount by which these resources fall short of the amount applicable in his case in accordance with regulation 145 (applicable amount in hardship cases), the amount of any resources which may be available to members of the claimant’s family from any person in the claimant’s household who is not a member of his family, and the length of time for which those factors are likely to persist;

(c) whether there is a substantial risk that essential items, including food, clothing, heating and accommodation, will cease to be available to the claimant or to a member of the claimant’s family, or will be available at considerably reduced levels and the length of time those factors are likely to persist.

[F35 (6) In paragraph (5)(b), “resources” does not include any sum, where applicable, specified in paragraph 6B(1) and (2) of Schedule 7 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings - child tax credit and child benefit).]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 140(1) inserted (19.3.2001) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Joint Claims) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1978), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 45(a)

F2 Words in reg. 140 substituted (18.10.1999) by The Social Security Act 1998 (Commencement No. 11, and Savings and Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/2860), art. 3(1), Sch. 12 para. 2

F3 Words in reg. 140(1)(b) substituted (24.11.2008) by The Social Security (Lone Parents and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/3051), regs. 1(2), 11(14) (with reg. 13)

F4 Words in reg. 140(1)(c) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions, Social Security and Child Support) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2877), art. 1, Sch. 3 para. 26(8)(a)(i) (with art. 3)

F5 Reg. 140(1)(c)(i) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions, Social Security and Child Support) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2877), art. 1, Sch. 3 para. 26(8)(a)(ii) (with art. 3)

F6 Words in reg. 140(1)(e) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions, Social Security and Child Support) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2877), art. 1, Sch. 3 para. 26(8)(b) (with art. 3)

F7 Word in reg. 140(1)(f)(i) omitted (22.10.2012) by virtue of The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(a)

F8 Words in reg. 140(1)(f)(i) substituted (22.10.2012) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(a)

F9 Words in reg. 140(1)(g) inserted (23.10.2017) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Hardship) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/760), regs. 1, 2(2)(a)

F10 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(i) substituted (8.4.2013) by The Personal Independence Payment (Supplementary Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/388), reg. 2, Sch. para. 16(4)(a)

F11 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(i) inserted (8.4.2013) by The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (Consequential Provisions: Subordinate Legislation) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/591), art. 2(2), Sch. para. 10(4)(a)

F12 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(ii) substituted (8.4.2013) by The Personal Independence Payment (Supplementary Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/388), reg. 2, Sch. para. 16(4)(b)

F13 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(ii) inserted (8.4.2013) by The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (Consequential Provisions: Subordinate Legislation) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/591), art. 2(2), Sch. para. 10(4)(b)

F14 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(ii) substituted and reg. 140(1)(h)(iii) inserted (7.10.1996) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1516), regs. 1(1), 13(1)

F15 Reg. 140(1)(h)(iv) and word inserted (8.4.2013) by The Personal Independence Payment (Supplementary Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/388), reg. 2, Sch. para. 16(4)(c)

F16 Reg. 140(1)(h)(v) and word inserted (8.4.2013) by The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (Consequential Provisions: Subordinate Legislation) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/591), art. 2(2), Sch. para. 10(4)(c)

F17 Words in reg. 140(1)(h)(ii) substituted (7.10.1996) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1516), reg. 1(1), Sch. Pt. 2

F18 Words in reg. 140(1)(j) substituted (23.10.2017) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Hardship) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/760), regs. 1, 2(2)(b)

F19 Words in reg. 140(1) added (6.3.2000) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/239), regs. 1, 2(4)

F20 Words in reg. 140(1)(k)(i) inserted (3.11.2017) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/901), arts. 1, 6(5)(a)

F21 Words in reg. 140(1)(k)(ii) substituted (3.11.2017) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/901), arts. 1, 6(5)(b)

F22 Words in reg. 140(1)(k)(iii) substituted (3.11.2017) by The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/901), arts. 1, 6(5)(b)

F23 Words in reg. 140(1)(k) inserted (23.10.2017) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Hardship) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/760), regs. 1, 2(2)(c)

F24 Reg. 140(1)(l) inserted (23.10.2017) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Hardship) (Amendment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/760), regs. 1, 2(2)(d)

F25 Words in reg. 140(2) omitted (22.10.2012) by virtue of The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(b)

F26 Words in reg. 140(2) inserted (19.3.2001) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Joint Claims) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1978), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 45(b)

F27 Words in reg. 140(3) inserted (27.10.2008) by The Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Provisions) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1554), regs. 1(2)(b), 3(17)

F28 Words in reg. 140(3) inserted (7.10.1996) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support (General) (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1517), regs. 1, 25

F29 Words in reg. 140(4) substituted (24.10.2005) by The Social Security (Care Homes and Independent Hospitals) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2687), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 7

F30 Reg. 140(4A) omitted (22.10.2012) by virtue of The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(c)

F31 Reg. 140(4B) omitted (22.10.2012) by virtue of The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(c)

F32 Reg. 140(4C) omitted (22.10.2012) by virtue of The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2568), regs. 1(1), 3(2)(c)

F33 Words in reg. 140(5)(a) inserted (7.10.1996) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1516), regs. 1(1), 13(2)

F34 Words in reg. 140(5)(a) substituted (for specified purposes and with effect in accordance with reg. 1(6)(7)(8) of the amending S.I.) by The Social Security (Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/455), Sch. 2 para. 18

F35 Reg. 140(6) inserted (2.4.2013) by The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/443), regs. 1, 4(10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Reg. 140 modified (22.11.2010) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Work for Your Benefit Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1222), regs. 1(2), 10

C2 Reg. 140(1)(f)(i) modified (22.11.2010) by The Jobseeker’s Allowance (Work for Your Benefit Pilot Scheme) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1222), regs. 1(2), 18(e)