In work credit, does it still exist?

koolmumma

After being a single out of work lone parent for ten years I am finally returning to work.
I've managed to get a 22.5 hours job 39 weeks of the year in a school which luckily comes to over 16 hours a week on average.
I was told I would get £40 a week in work credit but then found out from a friend this has ended for lone parents. Can anyone confirm this definitely as it will make a huge difference to me.
I need to apply for child care, is this easy. As a have one child with emotional needs I am starting child care a week before I start my job to be around for any teething problems. Can I claim for this.
Lastly what is the job centres discretionary payments and how do you make a claim.
Is there anything else I need to think of please.
Thank you very much
Xxx

koolmumma

Bump, just in case anyone out there can help me x x x

deedee71

Hi I don't really know what the current situation is. If you don't already have a lone parent adviser, could you contact one at the Job Centre? They were very helpful with me a few years ago, making sure I got a clothing grant, run on of benefits etc when I got work.

bellevie

You may still get a one off payment of £250 from the jobcentre. A good site to look at is turn2us . org . uk it covers everything, tax credits inc child care, help with rent, all based on your earnings, it will give you an idea of whats available.

I think the discretionary fund, is available in emergencies, for example if there was a delay in tax credits meaning you would be without food, or petrol to get to work etc. Your lone parent advisor should be able to advise further on that

Congrats on the job x

c1981

Speak to a lone parent adviser, I returned to work in July, I got a one off payment of £250, and I am currently getting £40 a week for the in work credit, as it was only a few months ago, I assume it still exists!

shiprob195

I returned to work in January. I received £250 grant and still get £40 pw in work credit. My lone parent advisor also arranged for me to purchase 2 suitable work outfits and one pair of black shoes from BHS using the discresionary (sp) JC+ fund.

jfdi

IWC ceases VERY soon! (for new claims to it) When does your job start?