Hi All,

I am new to the site so please bare with me!!

I was just wondering if anyone can offer a bit of advice really. I am currently on income support and a single mum of one. I have been looking at a budgeting loan as my daughter and myself are desperate for new clothes and shoes (I don't even own a coat and it is gettign rather cold out there, don't thik I can last much longer without one!). I noticed that it says the loan can be used for things to help in looking for work or to start work. Does anyone know if this includes taining corses or to help with the cost of buying things to go self employed?

I really want to get back out to work and am a qualified beautician and have recently done a couple of corses but can't afford all the materials I need to get set up mobile.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks you

Stephanie x

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018905 says you can use the loan for:

urniture or household equipment

clothing or footwear

advance rent or removal expenses for a new home

travelling expenses

things to help you look for or start work

improving, maintaining or securing your home

repaying hire purchase or other debts you took out to pay for any of the above

Yeah that is what I saw, but wasn't sure if it covers things to get you started in self employment or to do courses. I know when I went for an appointment at the jobcentre they weren't 100% sure if I would get the £200 in work grant when coming off income support if I was to go self employed, whereas if I was to go into employment I would get the grant! So just a little confused wether it is a different kettle of fish with self employment x

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10013908

I suggest contacting your lone parent adviser at your JCP office to discuss the idea of ging self employed as they refer you to any organisations that could help.