UC Flexible Support Fund?

Dotty12

I imagine 100 people could walk into 100 different jobcentres and get varied success depending on their workcoach but does anyone have any experience of this? If so, what did you request it for and how much did you get? Was the process easy?

It seems to be such a secretive thing theres not too much information online. I like the sound of it because its a grant, and not a loan.

[Deleted User]

It would still be on the system under your N.I. number, so if you imagine you would get 100 grants think again maybe?

konark

venison wrote: »

It would still be on the system under your N.I. number, so if you imagine you would get 100 grants think again maybe?

Think the OP was referring to 100 different people and was alluding to the probability of success in a single application of accessing this fund..

Dotty12

konark wrote: »

Think the OP was referring to 100 different people and was alluding to the probability of success in a single application of accessing this fund..

Yes, exactly this. I was attempting to pre-empt any "it depends on your work coach" replies.

I know the Flexible Support Fund exists but it all seems very hush-hush. If anyone has any personal anecdotes about applying for this I would love to hear them. Any tips etc

Craig1981

you apply for it as and when you need it

mainly for transportation, clothing courses etc - it is not a hardship fund or a loan to see you by... so if you have an interview, but need a tie and transport, your work coach should be able to provide you with these things, as an example.

are you not mixing this up with an advance from UC? this is a payment of up to 100% of your claim within a week of your application, but is paid back over 12 months

tomtom256

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport

It can also be used to provide basic interview clothing etc. You may be asked to provide proof of savings before being offered it .

It is also not guaranteed and at the coaches discretion to award or not.

huckster

I think many people apply for uniforms or protective clothing for jobs they have found.

The problems I have seen are where people seem to think Job Centres have ability to process money, without any documents to confirm that the employer is not providing certain clothing, what their requirements are and if required documents from clothing suppliers.

And in regard to this issue, I think Job Centres have vouchers or some arrangement with some retailers. If this is the case, they won't process money to claimants.

I think the rule in general is to not just turn up at Job Centres just asking for money. See if you can arrange an appointment and when you attend, take in documents, emails etc as evidence of the help you are wanting, confirmation of how this is going to help you secure a job. If it relates to money for a training course, that is a discussion with a Work Coach, as Job Centres have arrangements with training providers.

Job Centres are all different, as they have different arrangements in place. A City Job Centre will have claimants with different issues to those who live in a rural town.

Each claimant situation will be different, which I suppose is why it is called a flexible support fund.

Dotty12

Thankyou for your replies.


I was hoping to bypass my workcoach because we don't have the best relationship. The reason I would require support is to secure a job abroad. Mainly pre-departure expenses and certain equipment I will need for the job. My estimation is I'd need around £250 which I fear will be a non starter.

My concern is that I present my workcoach with evidence, and he can't or won't help - then he knows I have a job offer, which is a sanctionable offense if I don't take it up. And I wouldn't be able to take it without the financial support from the JC so its definitely a catch 22.

Any other financial support, commercial or personal, is not an option for me.

huckster

Don't think flexi support helps with finding a job abroad or moving abroad.

If you are moving abroad, sell any items you don't need, to make funds available.

Not a sanctionable offence not taking up a job abroad, if you don't have finances to get there.

If you don't get on with the Work Coach or don't feel they support you properly, then ask to see the Job Centre duty manager.

Dotty12

huckster wrote: »

Don't think flexi support helps with finding a job abroad or moving abroad.

Ahh thats annoying. Not flexible enough for me

Selling items is not an option for me either, I don't have anything valuable that I don't need.

Supporting me with £250ish to get me into employment and off the UC system for good is surely way better value for the taxpayer than my continued claim.

huckster

It is a bit different a claimant being helped to go abroad, as it would be a foreign Government benefitting from the tax you would be paying.

If you are being given money knowingly to help you move abroad and it did not work out, no doubt you would be asking UK Government money to move back to the UK, where you would be asking to claim UK benefits.

Best option is to obtain a job in the UK and try to save money, so that you can move abroad with enough money that you are financially secure. Most foreign Governments will require you to take out Private Medical Insurance, if your employers don't provide this. And most foreign Governments will also require you to prove you have enough money to be self sufficient.