Help and advice please

MissHobit

This is my first post here so please don't judge me I need help and advice not reminding of past mistakes.

Some years ago I was claiming benefits and I didn't declare capital that I had, to cut a long story short I was taken to court given a community order and had to pay back the full amount of overpayment. OK yes I did wrong and EVERY single day I am paying for it not only with money but unable to get insurance such like.

I have been living on my own money but this has almost run out now, but I am left with a criminal record which isn't classed as spent for another 2 years. I don't want to EVER if I can help it claim any benefits again but finding it hard to get a job with a conviction. Now I am in catch 22 as my money has almost gone and I'm unable to work.

Please any helpful advice would be great, as where I go from here. I have qualifications but a great big black cloud over me.

LittleVoice

1 Sign on as unemployed.

2 Continue with your job search.

What sort of work are you qualified to do?

chrissie55

Talk to some1 @ yr Jobcentre, Citizens' Advice Bureau, or local employment advice centre - u may hafta take a menial, factory, or voluntary job (not all require CRB check) so u can get a decent reference to get started. We r all sinners! Keep positive, & good luck!

MissHobit

I know that this sounds silly but I'm scared to claim benefits again I'm scared that I fill in the form wrong and get called into one of those offices.

TBH I really want to work again I hate not working it gives me a purpose and gets me out of the house I'd do anything.

I have qualifications in Child Care but doubt that I'll ever be allowed to work with children again.

ceridwen

I doubt anyone much will condemn you for this - it was capital you had (not another source of income). If you had spent that capital (aka savings) on just plain "blowing it" there wouldnt have been a problem.

This counts as an "offence" in benefit claiming terms - but does it actually count as a "criminal offence" that is going to take x amount of years to come off your "record"?

From what you say - I cant see that there is any evidence at all to indicate that you would be deemed to be a risk to children.

Think your first step is to check out whether this does count as a "criminal offence" and exactly what the implications are if it does.

I am wondering whether - if an employer ever queries this - it would be worth explaining exactly what happened - ie that you might be deemed to have a "record" - but you arent actually a criminal in any sense as most people define it (you havent committed murder, burglary, drug dealing or anything like that).

Personally - if I were an employer I wouldnt wish to employ a criminal. BUT I would not regard you as being a criminal and I would judge you according to your qualifications/experience and what I thought about you at interview and disregard the benefit "offence".

Oldernotwiser

Sorry to disagree but this is a criminal offence and comes in the same category as theft.I think that most people would see it this way and without the excuse of stealing for need. Encouraging the OP to view this as some kind of "naughtiness" and presenting it in this way to employers won't help her.She needs to show that she has learnt from her experiences and understands her actions.

It wouldn't need to be a barrier to working with children again but the OP is always going to have to declare it as this sort of work is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

OP I think that you're going to have to sign on again just to survive but I'd also have a word with NACRO as they should be able to give you specific advice on your situation. The fact that you haven't held a job for 5 years is going to be as much of a barrier to getting work as your criminal record. What have you been doing with yourself during this period?

Sarahsaver

Have you tried Remploy for work?

Just looked and they seem to just deal with ill health and disability now, there must be some kind of help if you are willing.

Oldernotwiser

Sarahsaver wrote: »

Have you tried Remploy for work?

Just looked and they seem to just deal with ill health and disability now, there must be some kind of help if you are willing.

What's the connection between ill health/disability and having a criminal record? Have I missed something?

Nacro is the appropriate organisation to offer help to offenders.

MissHobit

Thanks Ceridwen yes it was capital that I had no other source of income. A solicitor that I spoke with said that 'I should have just blown the lot'. This isn't in my nature though. I do remember when I got a letter from the court dishonesty was mentioned maybe deception? so those two words don't look good when I'm looking for employment.

I pleaded guilty on the advice of my Solicitor as what else could I do they had my bank statements in front of them.

I would have paid back double what I owed them and double the community order instead of a conviction as although it's spent in a couple of years it will always be shown on a CRB therefore unlikely to work with children again and I really don't want to be claiming benefits for the rest of my life.

Sarahsaver

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

What's the connection between ill health/disability and having a criminal record? Have I missed something?

Nacro is the appropriate organisation to offer help to offenders.

I corrected myself.:rolleyes:

LittleVoice

MissHobit wrote: »

I know that this sounds silly but I'm scared to claim benefits again I'm scared that I fill in the form wrong and get called into one of those offices.

Get the forms and sit down with someone you trust to understand what is required (maybe ask for help with form-filling at the CAB if you want) and carefully complete the form.

I think you will have to have a face-to-face meeting at the Jobcentre but I am sure you can ask to have a friend with you if you want - to give you some confidence/reassurance. Just let the Jobcentre people know you would like to be accompanied.