Back to work/Clothing/Anything grant? Am i applicable?

LadyMissA

Powerfrog wrote: »

I wore the best of the shirts, it's mostly plain and i gave it a good ironing, thankfully it was a "casual interview".

I think you misinterpreted what i said about the gvt (It wasn't directed at you by the way) I just said that if the grants exist and I'm eligible then I'm going to go for them, if that doesn't sit right with users then blame the government for making them available to me, and not me for sensibly going for them. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, and given my situation, even immoral, IMHO. My situation is why these grants exist, is it not?

The back to work £100 will be useful, although i could do with a little more seeing as I'll have no income for a month and have to pay for travel, food, and hopefully one or two cheap shirts + pants + jacket.

I'll probably end up taking a loan, which is fine, but i was sure there were clothing grants for this exact kinda thing. Thanks for all the help.

no one has any money to live of for a month or more thats just the way it is

If the job is for the DWP then they can help you surely?

the £100 is paid AFTER you sign off though

Powerfrog

mrcow wrote: »

If you can get a friendly loan from family and you 100% need a suit, ASDA sell one for £29.

You can buy new shirts at 2 for £8. One on, one in the wash.

Do you actually need a suit? Or will a shirt and tie suffice?

I do not need a suit or even a tie, it's formal wear but the rules aren't too strict, but my shirts are terribly close to the line and more importantly most of them simply don't fit very well (handmedowns from much wider father) and are noticeably faded.

I'm looking online now and can't find the 2 for £8, but i have found £6 shirts that look good. I'm going tomorrow for grocery shopping so I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them as well as any other specials.

Sues48

Speak to your jobcentre asap, there is help available in the form of vouchers to help you buy some basic smart work clothes, but you will need to apply before you actually sign off.

Powerfrog

Sues48 wrote: »

Speak to your jobcentre asap, there is help available in the form of vouchers to help you buy some basic smart work clothes, but you will need to apply before you actually sign off.

Thanks, that's what i was thinking of.

I should get the papers officially stating i have the job tomorrow (they confirmed i have it but have to do mandatory tests to see if I've been in jail etc) and from that point i can start contacting people, for now i technically don't even have the job or know the start date, although woman asked if i would be ready to work by 2nd of July in interview so i assume then. First thing I'll do is contact the job centre and ask about the vouchers, and then sign off.

I'll not go clothes shopping just yet though, thanks for saving my butt!

Sues48

You're welcome, just don't expect designer gear, depending on where you live, it will most likely to be Matalan vouchers

TeaCake

There is a fund available in the JC to help people buy interview clothes or back to work clothes if you have been claiming more than 6 months. In my JC you have to buy the clothes yourself first, up to the value of £50 then the JC reimburse you after you hand the receipt in in a week or two after. Ask your adviser before you sign off.

Powerfrog

Thanks a lot guys this is useful info.

By the way, if i were to contact the job centre tomorrow and confirm that i have the job on the 2nd of july, what would they do in regards to job seekers allowance payment and these additional grants?

Stop everything immediately at the mention of work, or continue to pay and offer these vouchers until i actually start?

anamenottaken

Powerfrog wrote: »

Thanks a lot guys this is useful info.

By the way, if i were to contact the job centre tomorrow and confirm that i have the job on the 2nd of july, what would they do in regards to job seekers allowance payment and these additional grants?

Stop everything immediately at the mention of work, or continue to pay and offer these vouchers until i actually start?

Don't sign off until you actually start the job or at least not before you have an official start date in writing.

Sues48

You can sign off up to 7 days in advance of starting work, you will be paid JSA up to the day before you start work and the vouchers can be issued on the same day you sign off. I would advise waiting until you have a confirmed start date before signing off.

notts85

If you are on JSA you can get help towards clothing..you need to request an appointment with your advisor.