Starting a new job

Skull83

Hi all,

First off I will tell you a little about myself.

Am male, 29 years old and stay in Glasgow, Scotland.

I am registered blind and live on my own in a one bedroom flat which is sub-letted, and am currently unemployed.

I receive the following benefits:

JSA
DLA
Full housing and council tax benefit

Recently I applied for a job with the civil service, and am currently waiting on my disclosure coming back to either start work or be put on a waiting list to start a job in the near future.

My question is this, if I start and come off my benefits including housing and council tax, what support will I receive until I get my first wage?

This has been playing on my mind a lot, and the job centre won't give me any answers. Am just worried I won't be able to pay my bills or eat as I will be waiting on my first wage.

Any help would be great.

Thank you

iammumtoone

you have brought up the very thing that will be worrying every job seeker. In the past they gave job seekers £250 when they signed off and 4 weeks housing benefit run to to account for this. Under the new changes this payment will stop (you might be lucky it may not have stopped yet, you need to check) I am extremely concerned about this myself I don't know what the answer is hopefully someone will come along to help. I think there is a loan that you maybe able to get but not 100% sure.

Congratulations on your new job

EDIT
maybe this? https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-loans

I would be interested to hear the outcome on this one.

gibson123

Well done and good luck in your new job.

Glasgow Council has a service that can advice you.Call them on 0141 276 9800.

AP007

iammumtoone wrote: »

you have brought up the very thing that will be worrying every job seeker. In the past they gave job seekers £250 when they signed off and 4 weeks housing benefit run to to account for this. Under the new changes this payment will stop (you might be lucky it may not have stopped yet, you need to check) I am extremely concerned about this myself I don't know what the answer is hopefully someone will come along to help. I think there is a loan that you maybe able to get but not 100% sure.

Congratulations on your new job

EDIT
maybe this? https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-loans

I would be interested to hear the outcome on this one.

It was £100 for single people and £250 I think for lone parents but that's stopped now

iammumtoone

AP007 wrote: »

It was £100 for single people and £250 I think for lone parents but that's stopped now

Oh sorry I am a lone parent that's what made me say £250 as thats what I was told. Maybe if this payment had been fairer to all originally it might not have stopped. As a lone parent why should I get a £150 more than everyone else? I get the same amount JSA paid!.

Skull83

I don't get the same jsa as a normal peron, because I live on my own and registered blind, I get a higher amount. But I hope someone can point me in the right direction, because just now am just lost and thank you all for providing helpful information, and I will give that number a call next week.

306chris

I asked the very same question (not registered blind though) last week to my advisor and was told that there was NO help at all. He asked what I would need money for anyway. I said that I was looking for office work and if I got a job then I would need things like smart shoes, trousers shirts etc Also I may need help with travel.

He just kept mumbling on about "the economy" before suggesting that there was actually help - I could always ask a new employer for a sub, that would be a great start.

iammumtoone

306chris wrote: »

He just kept mumbling on about "the economy" before suggesting that there was actually help - I could always ask a new employer for a sub, that would be a great start.

Its just crazy people need money to live in that month whilst they wait for the first pay packet, including money for traveling to work. This is just giving those who don't want to work the perfect excuse. I am sure when the interviewer asks if you have any questions and you reply "yes can I have an advance on my first wages please" they might just find someone else more suitable. I am not saying job seekers should be handed money on a plate but a loan to cover this month which would have to be paid back over the next few months when you are working would be reasonable.

OP please do not let this worry you, you have done well to find and get a job you should be congratulated. I am sure there must be help available (probably one of those things that the JC do not advertise).

Please let us know how you get on, enjoy your weekend, and ring the helplines on Monday.

ohreally

Contact Govan law centre, they may be able to advise on your options.

http://govanlc.blogspot.co.uk 0141 440 2503

AP007

iammumtoone wrote: »

Oh sorry I am a lone parent that's what made me say £250 as thats what I was told. Maybe if this payment had been fairer to all originally it might not have stopped. As a lone parent why should I get a £150 more than everyone else? I get the same amount JSA paid!.

Maybe childcare or stuff for the children?

iammumtoone

AP007 wrote: »

Maybe childcare or stuff for the children?

Childcare yes of course I didn't think of that cost, mainly as the childcare I would use also bill monthly so would not expect payment until I got paid. But of course it will not be like that for everybody.