Clothing Allowance?

~Beanie~

I've been unemployed for 6 months and claiming JSA. Today, I have been for an interview and been successful and start my new job on Monday :T.

Someone has told me tonight that the Job Centre will give you money to buy new workclothes with, is this correct? I can't believe that it is but they swear blind that last time they were unemployed, they got around £200 to buy suits etc for their new job!

I've had a quick google but can't find anything

Thanks x

NASA_2

Its a discretionary payment - in other words they do not have to pay it - and the fact that you already have the job may make them think you do not need it. Just an opinion.

EDIT: And well done on getting the job.

dookar

NASA wrote: »

Its a discretionary payment - in other words they do not have to pay it - and the fact that you already have the job may make them think you do not need it. Just an opinion.

EDIT: And well done on getting the job.

I share this opinion. However, if the employer has told you that you must wear certain clothing (and the offer of employment is dependant on this) then you should have a good chance of some help.

LizzieS_2

I could be wrong, but I thought the clothing allowance only applied to those looking for work after 6 months unemployment. In other words it is for attending interviews.

dookar

I don't know what clothing allowance is, but the OP description sounds like ADF

welshmoneylover

~Beanie~ wrote: »

I've been unemployed for 6 months and claiming JSA. Today, I have been for an interview and been successful and start my new job on Monday :T.

Well done, it's nice to hear some good news on this board for a change! :j

tr82

If it's from the Adviser Discretionary Fund you need to go see your Jobcentre Adviser asap and get the application in ... cos you won't get any help if you apply after you start work.

All the best.

~Beanie~

Thanks, it is a relief to get a job at last - 6 months off work is quite enough!

I don't actually need the money for clothes as my new job provides a uniform but I just didn't believe what my friend was telling me! Strange how the Jobcentre never mentioned it...

Zara33

Beanine are you aware of the job grant?

Who is eligible?

You can claim Job Grant if you take up full-time work (at least 16 hours a week) and you expect the work to last for at least five weeks. You must also have been claiming one of the following benefits for at least 26 weeks before starting your new job:

• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Jobcentre Plus/New Deal Allowance payments where the allowance is based on Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, or Severe Disablement Allowance
• Employment Zone payments where the allowance is based on Jobseeker's Allowance

You may also get Job Grant if your partner or civil partner starts working at least 24 hours a week, and as a result - your benefit stops.

How much do you get?

The amount of Job Grant you will get depends on your circumstances:

• £100 for single people and couples and civil partnerships without children
• £250 for lone parents and couples and civil partnerships with children

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10018789

~Beanie~

Ooh that's interesting, I've just had a look at that link and it says that Job Grant is automatic if you return to work after 26 weeks of unemployment. According to my calculations, I have been on JSA just over 6 months (01 Apr to 04 Oct when they close my claim) so I think I should qualify?

It also says that I am entitled to extended payment of Council Tax benefit as well and the advisor at the Jobcentre never mentioned that either!

Cheers for the info!

OrkneyStar

Well done.
If you cannot get help with money for clothing, or even if you do, check out your local charity shops. Today I got a brand new pair of black M and Co. trousers with tags (hem had fallen but easily fixed- took me 5 min), brand new New Look trousers with tags, and vgc M and S trousers all for £1 each! Obviously the shops vary and you may try more than 1, but it is a great way to get basics to get you started/for interviews etc. Once you are working you can get more stuff gradually.
All the best.