On benefits for 18 years.. Just got a job what do I do?

[helenhopeful]

I have been on benefits for the previous 18 years due to personal circumstances and I recently found the confidence to finally find work I went to a want2work adviser who got me to sign a form and "join" then told me to text her if I needed anything..

Anyways I found my self a job vacancy.. Applied got invited to interview, I called the want2work adviser said I have a interview and can they help me with tips etc.. She said I can give you vouchers for an outfit, I thought ok that would be helpful because it was something I was fretting about.. so I went to meet her.. she said ok Ive met you once really we should meet 3 times before I offer financial help so sign this box to say we have had another meeting and I can fill it in later.. I was a bit upset if I am honest at this and said not to worry about the clothes and could I just have some help with confidence and how to act in the interview.. basically she said well we can put you on a confidence course but we have no dates available, So I left there.. Went to my interview and luckily I got offered the job since then this want2work person is calling me daily to see if I have got the job, I did not answer the first 2 calls because I was annoyed she did not really try to help me finaly I answered today and told her I got the job she said brilliant let me write it all down and you can come in and we can sign you off...

 

I have no idea now what I do next about canceling benefit claims etc or how i go about seeing if I am entitled to help with rent

It feels to me if this woman just wants to add me on a list as a success to her when in reality she has done nothing to help me

Should I go in to see her or go to the benefits office and spea to someone else?

[Nystagmite]

You need to speak to someone at the benefits office. If you're currently on job seekers, there is a form that you should have (it's with the stuff they give you, such as your signing on book) to say that you wish to sign off.

 

And well done on getting the job!

[helenhopeful]

Thanks very much!

I should have mentioned I am currently on income support/Child tax credits I have 4 children sorry about missing that info

[Nystagmite]

Ok, ignore my post then.

 

There should be a number on any letters you receive about you income support for you to call to close your claim.

 

You should be entitled to housing and council tax benefit run on and a job grant.

[shazajo]

Thanks very much!

I should have mentioned I am currently on income support/Child tax credits I have 4 children sorry about missing that info

Congratulations on the job offer

You have to take your little booklet on with you for you to sign off. Also make sure you ask about the job grant and a run on of benefits to help while you wait for your first wage.

I also got offered a job and I'm waiting for a start date before I can sign off, it feels really good when you get offered a job.

Also the jobcentre should be able to advise on what to do regarding rent tax credits etc

[helenhopeful]

Thanks I think I will skip the appointment with the want2work woman and go straight to benefits office.. If they ask why I will explain about her asking me to sign for an appointment that never existed I think it was naughty of her.

 

Congrats also for the job Shazajo!

[shazajo]

Thanks I think I will skip the appointment with the want2work woman and go straight to benefits office.. If they ask why I will explain about her asking me to sign for an appointment that never existed I think it was naughty of her.

 

Congrats also for the job Shazajo!

 

That's what I would also do as she wants praise for 'not helping you' lol

That's what I intend to do once I've got a start date and to be honest I will be pleased to hand over my card to say I'm signing off, they make you feel so small in that place and feel like a scrounger

[ellie12022]

You don't have to sign off till the day you start work. Good Luck. Want 2 Work will want to get money for finding you work...You don't have to sign anything they give you. http://www.donotsign.com/

 

Hope the job goes well!