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If you have been sent on the Work Programme, or are going on it shortly, reading the guidance the government sends to those organisations that deliver the programme is worthwhile. No matter which organisation you attend they will have to stick to the rules in this document, so you might want to read it before you start.
Do you have a problem with your benefits or tax credits and want to know what to do about it? This Citizens Advice Bureau guide will help.
This comprehensive guide from the Citizens Advice Bureau provides all the information you need about the payment of benefits and tax credits.
Here is the Citizens Advice Bureau's full guidance on National Insurance.
Jobcentre Plus offices sometimes advertise details of self-employment possibilities for unemployed people, including contract work and commission-only vacancies. They may also be able to provide information on starting a small business or arranging a franchise. If you want information, you should speak to your personal adviser.
If you have applied for and been offered a job, a Work Trial allows you to try it out while still receiving benefits. It also enables the employer see how you get on in the post before deciding whether to take you on permanently. Most Work Trials only last for a few days.
Some government schemes are voluntary and you can ask your personal adviser for advice on joining one.
In some cases, however, attendance may be compulsory if the personal adviser feels you will benefit from attendance. In these cases, you will be referred via a jobseeker’s direction. If you are given a jobseeker’s direction to attend any of the schemes below, failure to do so, or leaving before the scheme is completed, can lead to a benefit sanction.
If you are receiving Jobseeker's Allowance you can be made to go on some work for your benefit schemes. Find out what your responsibilities are here.
If you are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, you must take part in certain schemes if you are advised to do so by a personal adviser. Your benefit may be affected if you refuse to do so or leave a scheme before completing it. The Work Experience programme is different in that it is voluntary to join, but it becomes compulsory after you have accepted an offer of a place.
Want to find out what work for your benefit schemes you will have to go on if you receive Jobseeker's Allowance? Here's where you find out.
