Starting a new job.

LouFace

So I got a new job (YAY!) but I won't be paid till the end of the month. I have my last two weeks of JSA (£130) and a back to work payment of £100 to live on till then.

To get to work I have to buy a traincard which costs £80; there goes my £100 back to work payment.

I am left with £150 to pay all my bills and buy food etc for the entire month until I am paid, by which point I will be having to use that wage to pay bills I've missed this month because I have no money, PLUS all the bills for that month, probably leaving me short that month, meaning i'll probably being doing the same song and dance every month.

I am just wondering - as this is obviously a huge obstacle for anyone going back to work, and I can see why people don't bother trying - if there is any help in place for this very situation.

benefitbaby

Certain benefits can be 'run-on' for a further 4 weeks when taking up work depending on certain circumstances. See here:
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/benefits-and-help-when-going-back-to-work

In addition you could consider seeking an advance of wages and/or a working tax credit claim if applicable.

missapril75

Most people probably don't have to work a whole month before getting paid. With benefits being paid fortnightly in arrears, it's pretty much 50/50 that the first wage will be paid by the time the next fortnight's benefit would have been paid if not starting work. (An employer may "need" to input information for it to be ready for the normal payday, but that does not mean they have to do it that way and only that way)

And wages are usually more than benefits anyway, so even though it might only be part of a month's pay, it could very well be more than benefit would have been.

In addition, if one takes the time to read the information given at the start of a claim (many people don't), there will likely be a further benefit payment due of anything up to a further two weeks - from the date one last signed to the day before return to work. Inexplicably some don't send their form back.

What with the possible run-ons mentioned, advances from employer and final benefit payments the vast majority should really have no problem.

For the exception there are overdrafts or bank loans (even credit cards) remembering that this is likely to be an improvement in finances.

If all else fails, crisis loans are available as well in the same way they are for people waiting for first benefit payment. At least for now.