Waiting to start new job

ooitsme

I have been a student nurse for the last 3 years, and I have a job waiting. My course finishes officially on the last day of August but my job doesn’t start until 16th September. Additionally I miss the cut off date for payroll so I don’t receive any pay until 28th October. I live independently and have rent etc to pay, does anyone know if I might be able to claim anything? I’m completely unfamiliar with the benefits system. 

I have one grown up son who lives with me and is himself a student. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

ooitsme said:

I have been a student nurse for the last 3 years, and I have a job waiting. My course finishes officially on the last day of August but my job doesn’t start until 16th September. Additionally I miss the cut off date for payroll so I don’t receive any pay until 28th October. I live independently and have rent etc to pay, does anyone know if I might be able to claim anything? I’m completely unfamiliar with the benefits system. 

I have one grown up son who lives with me and is himself a student. 

Have you asked your new employer if they will make a salary advance?

ooitsme

It’s the NHS, I think I’d feel hugely embarrassed doing this to be honest and I wouldn’t know how to. It just occurred to me that I might be entitled to something to cover even those two weeks, even if it comes further down the line. 

Hoenir

Employers are normally understandable when it comes to payroll advances. You've good reason to request. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

ooitsme said:

It’s the NHS, I think I’d feel hugely embarrassed doing this to be honest and I wouldn’t know how to. It just occurred to me that I might be entitled to something to cover even those two weeks, even if it comes further down the line. 

I don't think you've anything to be embarrassed about.

Large employers doubtless have payroll cut off dates for good reasons, you have to draw the line somewhere, but nearly 7 weeks before being paid would be a long time for anyone and a large employer will probably have process in place for this type of situation.

poppy12345

It would be New style JSA if you have the correct NI contributions in tax years 2021/22 and 2022/23.

If not then the only other benefit would be Universal Credit, which is means tested. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If payment will be just under 5 weeks after you submit your claim. 

If you claim both of the above together the JSA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. A benefits calculator will tell you if there's any entitlement to UC. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

lookbook

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

ooitsme said:

It’s the NHS, I think I’d feel hugely embarrassed doing this to be honest and I wouldn’t know how to. It just occurred to me that I might be entitled to something to cover even those two weeks, even if it comes further down the line. 

I don't think you've anything to be embarrassed about.

Large employers doubtless have payroll cut off dates for good reasons, you have to draw the line somewhere, but nearly 7 weeks before being paid would be a long time for anyone and a large employer will probably have process in place for this type of situation.

It's best to ask employer. Better than stressing by doing nothing. 

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

If not then the only other benefit would be Universal Credit, which is means tested. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If payment will be just under 5 weeks after you submit your claim. 

… A benefits calculator will tell you if there's any entitlement to UC. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

Just to add on to this, OP if there is entitlement to UC (put your details into the calculator as if you've already finished the course) you should claim the day after your course finishes.  UC only takes wages into account once you've received them so you can keep claiming until your received earrings reduce it to nil. 

(Whereas JSA I believe you would have to close your claim once you've started your job if it's 16hrs or more per week.)

Murphybear

I worked for the NHS many years ago.  From what I remember I got a small advance in my salary.  As a bonus I met my first husband there 

Good luck with your new job.  

Brie

Congratulations on finishing your course and securing a new job!  That part of it must be a huge relief for you!!

I agree with others JSA could be applied for although it will only pay a small amount - £50ish a week?

Meanwhile contact everyone - landlord, any standard bills - and tell them the good news that you have a new job.  And then let them know that you need to delay your next payment but will happily make it up once the ££ starts coming in.  Advising them in advance shows them you are reliable - rather than just not paying a bill.  

Do ask for a pay advance - even a small one to keep food on the table.  And meanwhile check out the free sources of edibles - food banks, olio, community fridges.  

And anyway you might get a temp job somehow?  Just to bridge the gap.  As a student pub work is pretty standard and paid quite regularly but given your training you might pick up some temp shifts in care work. Neither your chosen work of course but if it keeps you fed it and lets you sleep without worrying too much it may be worth it. 

ooitsme

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

If not then the only other benefit would be Universal Credit, which is means tested. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If payment will be just under 5 weeks after you submit your claim. 

… A benefits calculator will tell you if there's any entitlement to UC. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

Just to add on to this, OP if there is entitlement to UC (put your details into the calculator as if you've already finished the course) you should claim the day after your course finishes.  UC only takes wages into account once you've received them so you can keep claiming until your received earrings reduce it to nil. 

(Whereas JSA I believe you would have to close your claim once you've started your job if it's 16hrs or more per week.)

Spoonie_Turtle said:

poppy12345 said:

If not then the only other benefit would be Universal Credit, which is means tested. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If payment will be just under 5 weeks after you submit your claim. 

… A benefits calculator will tell you if there's any entitlement to UC. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/

If I’ve messed the quote up here and replied to the wrong person sorry!) 

So, according to the calculator I should be entitled to some UC. I have a couple of questions though. 

My job will start during the 4 week “assessment period” (claim 2nd Sept, job start 16th Sept, paid 28th Oct). So I’ll be in work for 7 weeks or so - will I therefore not qualify or if I understand it right what has been said above that I would continue getting UC until I actually get paid would I then need to pay it back? And would I need to attend any appointments during this period when I’ll be in work? 

My apologies I’m not knowledgeable about these things, I’m really grateful for the replies! 

If I’ve messed the quote up here and replied to the wrong person sorry!) 

So, according to the calculator I should be entitled to some UC. I have a couple of questions though. 

My job will start during the 4 week “assessment period” (claim 2nd Sept, job start 16th Sept, paid 28th Oct). So I’ll be in work for 7 weeks or so - will I therefore not qualify or if I understand it right what has been said above that I would continue getting UC until I actually get paid would I then need to pay it back? And would I need to attend any appointments during this period when I’ll be in work? 

My apologies I’m not knowledgeable about these things, I’m really grateful for the replies! M