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What is the Restart Scheme?

For people on Universal Credit or income-based JSA in England and Wales who have been looking for work for 6 months or more.

Applies to: England, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

The Restart Scheme gives extra help to find work if you have been on Universal Credit or income-based JSA for a long time.

  • You are usually eligible after at least 6 months on Universal Credit or income-based JSA.
  • Your work coach refers you. You do not apply yourself.
  • Support lasts up to 12 months, or until you find work or your circumstances change.
  • If referred, you must take part. Missing sessions without good reason can lead to a sanction.
  • It runs in England and Wales only.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

  • Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
  • Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

  • After 6 months on UC or JSA
  • Support for up to 12 months
  • Referral by your work coach
  • England and Wales only

What the Restart Scheme is

The Restart Scheme is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) programme. It gives more personal help to people who have been out of work and claiming benefits for a while.

The help is given by an outside organisation, called a provider, that DWP pays to run the scheme in your area. You get a caseworker who works with you to find a job.

Who it is for

You will usually be referred if you live in England or Wales and you have been on one of these for at least 6 months:

  • Universal Credit, and you are expected to look for work
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
  • a mix of New Style JSA and Universal Credit that adds up to more than 6 months

DWP's provider guidance also says you must have the right to work in the UK and have no earnings from a job on PAYE when you are referred.

You cannot sign yourself up. Your work coach decides whether to refer you.

What support you get

On the scheme you get:

  • a skills assessment
  • an action plan made for you
  • meetings with a caseworker every 2 weeks
  • other help, such as training for a type of job, help with work skills, and interview practice

Providers must tell you about help with costs such as travel and childcare while you take part. Ask your caseworker what is available.

How long it lasts

Support lasts for up to 12 months. It ends sooner if you find work or your circumstances change.

What you must do

The Restart Scheme is not optional once you are referred.

  • You must go to the appointments you are given.
  • You must take part in all sessions and activities.
  • You must still follow your claimant commitment, including meeting your work coach.

If you do not take part and you do not have a good reason, your benefit could be sanctioned. A sanction means your payment is cut for a time.

If something stops you attending, such as illness or a caring emergency, tell your provider and work coach as soon as you can and explain why.

Things to know

  • Restart is one of several DWP back to work schemes. Your work coach can tell you which ones fit you.

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

The Restart Scheme only runs in England and Wales. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, ask your work coach or Jobs and Benefits office about the employment support available where you live.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Read about back to work schemes

Common questions

Is the Restart Scheme mandatory?

Yes. If your work coach refers you, you must take part in all sessions and activities. If you do not, and you have no good reason, your benefit could be sanctioned.

Can I join the Restart Scheme if I live in Scotland?

No. The Restart Scheme applies to England and Wales only.

Do I still see my work coach on Restart?

Yes. You must still meet your claimant commitment, including regular meetings with your work coach.

Official sources

  1. 1.Universal Credit and JSA: back to work schemes (DWP)www.gov.uk/guidance/universal-credit-and-jobseekers-allowance-jsa-back-to-work-schemes
  2. 2.Restart Scheme provider guidance (DWP)www.gov.uk/government/publications/restart-provider-guidance/restart-scheme-provider-guidance

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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