Return to Work Credit?

Hanniebis

Hey guys, was wondering if anyone could help me with this:

I was on Income Support for about 17 weeks, from the end of May to the end of September, due to illness (post-viral fatigue, urgh). I'm better now and looking for a new job (I'm in Edinburgh).

My question is: can I still claim Return to Work Credit when I start a new job even though I won't have been receiving Income Support for a few weeks whilst I've been job searching?
I've not been claiming Jobseeker's Allowances whilst I've been searching (don't qualify for contribution-based and can't get the income-based one as my partner works over 24 hours a week). So I've not had any income during this job searching period apart from money to keep me going from family.

Any thoughts would be appreciated as I'm a bit clueless. Thanks so much.

healy

In order to claim the return to work credit you need to have been claiming IS in the 5 weeks before you start a job and from what you have said it sounds like you would be outside that now.

tink_the_stink

Sorry unless your receiving a qualifying benefit for the correct amount of time & claim it within 5 wks of starting work you've got no chance

Good luck with your jobsearch though

Hanniebis

Thanks very much!