finally got a job

jackbauer1_2

hi, first post, but ive been a lurker for some time. (hope i have posted in the right sub forum)

i got finished from my last job roughly 18 months ago and i have been searching for a job since that time, and i have finally got one :j its a full time position on little more than minimum wage

i will also be getting paid monthly, i have calculated that my first pay check will be about 200quid, and that will have to last me the month including rent, council tax, bills, petrol for work, food, car insurance etc (basically everything) and it just isnt going to stretch that far as my rent alone is 350quid.

i need my car for work so that is something else i cannot cut back on.

the question i have is;

is there anything at all i can claim to help the transition back into work any easier?

and i think i might be entitled to tax credits to bump up my wages, but i have no idea what to do, as i have never needed to claim them before.

and someone told me about the advisor descressionary fund? could i claim that for fuel expenses or anything?

please dont think im out to get all i can, because im not, i just know the next couple of months are going to be really difficult, and i will need all the help i can get.

thanks for taking the time to read my post

im also single and live alone if that info is needed:)

Indie_Kid

Do you have any children? How old are you?

The following link explains about benefits when going back to work - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10013908

jackbauer1_2

sh1305 wrote: »

Do you have any children? How old are you?

The following link explains about benefits when going back to work -

27, one child, that doesnt live with me, thanks for your swift reply

RazWaz

I'm on minimum wage myself and I'm able to get Working tax credit and housing benefit. Even if you don't get the full about of HB awarded it helps pay the rent.

jackbauer1_2

RazWaz wrote: »

I'm on minimum wage myself and I'm able to get Working tax credit and housing benefit. Even if you don't get the full about of HB awarded it helps pay the rent.

thanks, i will look into it.

Edinburgh65

If you have been signing on for 18 months, then I think you might qualify for a £100 back to work grant from the DWP, but I think they pay that to you automatically if you do qualify, when they finalise your last benefits payment. I think that you get it if you have been signing on for more than 26 weeks, without a break re temporary work etc.

Congratulations!

jackbauer1_2

Edinburgh65 wrote: »

If you have been signing on for 18 months, then I think you might qualify for a £100 back to work grant from the DWP, but I think they pay that to you automatically if you do qualify, when they finalise your last benefits payment. I think that you get it if you have been signing on for more than 26 weeks, without a break re temporary work etc.

Congratulations!

thanks, looking at the link sh1305 posted, i think i should get it which is great.

thanks for all of your help so far,

jackbauer1_2

does anyone have any idea on how jsa is payed?

like if i stop my claim on the 19th as i start on the 20th, what will they owe me etc,

also with housing benefit too?

stressed81

I was in a similar position I was off work for 7 months and when I returned to work I was given a £100 bonus (on the condition I worked for 5 weeks or more) and a 4 week run on with my housing benefit.I also received £9 a week in housing benefit and despite taking a whopping 4 and a half months to sort out (by that time I was laid off again) £18 a week in wtc.

stressed81

jackbauer1 wrote: »

does anyone have any idea on how jsa is payed?

like if i stop my claim on the 19th as i start on the 20th, what will they owe me etc,

also with housing benefit too?

I would notify them prior to you starting work so they can work it out. I know a lot of people who try and wing a couple of extra payments out of the job centre, but sods law it will be you that gets caught.

Indie_Kid

jackbauer1 wrote: »

does anyone have any idea on how jsa is payed?

like if i stop my claim on the 19th as i start on the 20th, what will they owe me etc,

also with housing benefit too?

You should have a booklet that you fill in when you want to stop claiming JSA. (employment, FT student, etc) I'm sure it asks what date you'd like to be paid up to and when you start work. I think it's the green booklet.