Any financial help for trainee teachers before starting work?

drgee

I'm coming to the end of a PGCE course for which I've been getting a government grant and have just got a job starting in September. However my final grant payment is at the beginning of June and I don't get paid until the end of September! Although my boyfriend (who is a qualified teacher) will be getting paid it makes the next few months pretty tight, does anyone know if I (and plenty of others like me) are entitled to any kind of benefits over the holidays, even if we have a job lined up? Thanks for any help!

dmg24

There is nothing to stop you taking temporary work for a few months?

kingfisherblue

I agree with dmg24 - many NQTs are in this position and take temporary work for the summer.

fresian_cow

Claim JSA, I did when I was waiting to start a position in the September. I was perfectly honest and was willing to take on any temp work for the summer and applied for jobs but didn't get anything. Although if you live with partner you may only get JSA (conts) and then you would only get that if you had made enough NI conts.