The New Deal for Young People (NDYP) Gateway period is designed to last for a maximum of four months. People aged 18-24 who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for six months join the Gateway and receive intensive job search support to improve their job prospects. If an NDYP participant has not found work at the end of the Gateway period, they are referred to one of the NDYP Options. In exceptional circumstances, for example, a family bereavement, a short-term illness, or an option becoming unexpectedly unavailable, the Gateway period can be extended.