Job Grant and WTC when becoming self employed

alanamyles

I'm wondering if anyone could advise how long (in their experience) it takes to receive the Job Grant and Working Tax credits after signing off from Income Support?

Also, will the Child Tax Credits I've been receiving alongside my Income Support until now stop being paid?

I've been claiming Income Support and Tax credits for well over a year and was considering going back to being self-employed so I've been preparing for some time. Coincidentally, I received an appointment for the "getting back into work" interview just as I was ready to call the jobcentre for benefit advice. So when I went for the interview and realized I would indeed be better off I opted to go for it straight away - meaning I could take on some of the work being offered to me without anxiety of working when I shouldn't be.

My claim for Income support ends tomorrow, from Monday I'm officially self-employed and have been advised to call the Tax Credits helpline myself on Monday to initiate the WTC payments.

My adviser at the Job centre set everything up for me - my HB and CTB will have the four week run-on, I'm applied for the £40 in work credit and also the Job Grant of £250.

Despite being self employed I won't be getting money right away (it will start coming in in dribs and drabs from about next weekend).

My adviser told me the Job Grant should be paid within 3 days of my Income Support ending (Sunday will be my last day) and that I'll continue to be paid the Child Tax element of my benefit as normal (which is currently weekly each Thursdsay).

Is this true? Could I expect to receive something by next Friday? Also, is IS paid in arrears? If so, will I receive a "final payment" the next date I'd normally have expected Income support or is a final payment initiated immediately when the claim ends?

There was no mention of a "fast track" to receiving the WTC element. Can I ask for this when I call the TC helpline on Monday?

Lots of questions I know, but I'd truly appreciate some advise. I have a little cash saved which I was planning to use to fix my car (much needed for my work, though I can struggle with buses and take on less work if need be).

Thanks in advance for any help =]

Aarons_mummy

For the tac credits when you call them they will amend your award and will send you out a new one, usually within 10days I think so it may not be this week but the week after you receive WTC but it'll be paid to you from the date you applied.

IS is paid in arrears I believe although I'm not 100% on this so you'll be paid until the final day probably on your usual day.

Sorry I can't help with the other questions someone who knows will be along soon I suspect

Aarons_mummy

Meant to add that no your tax credits won't stop unless you have a change in claim ie single to joint etc.

alanamyles

Aarons_mummy wrote: »

Meant to add that no your tax credits won't stop unless you have a change in claim ie single to joint etc.

Thanks for confirming this, I had hoped they'd still be paid as normal, otherwise we'd have a week (or so) being very strapped for cash.

I'll call to ask about IS and the Job Grant tomorrow - neither are urgent, but it would be helpful to know when I'll be able to fix the car =]