Starting a new job | Paid end of month | Jobseekers Allowance

I'm currently claiming Jobseekers Allowance and receiving rent allowance, I'll be starting a new job soon and won't be paid until the end of the month.

I have found that If you get full-time work and you are not entitled to retain your Rent Supplement you can continue to get Rent Supplement for up to 30 days after starting work or until you are paid, whichever is earlier.

But there does not seem to be a similar mechanism in place for Jobseekers Allowance, I can't survive without money for a month, so what are my options?

Stheno

Borrow from family or friends, go to see your CWO, or see if you can get an advance on your wages.

Walter2016

Surely if you have started a job you are no longer a jobseeker and therefore no longer entitled to the benefit?

As above, a dig out from family is probably best option if needed.

Loveinapril

I know it is not ideal but when I was in a similar predicament (I was on invalidity pension), I claimed until my first month's wages came in then just paid the Social back. I explained why I did it and they were very understanding. There was no hassle at all.

Stheno

Stheno wrote: »

Borrow from family or friends, go to see your CWO, or see if you can get an advance on your wages.

I'm already in debt to family that I could ask, so repayment is the only option there, I wouldn't feel comfortable asking my new employer for an advance and although it probably wouldn't, I don't want to jeopardise the position.

What can my CWO do?

Walter2016

Walter2016 wrote: »

Surely if you have started a job you are no longer a jobseeker and therefore no longer entitled to the benefit?

As above, a dig out from family is probably best option if needed.

This is true, but why is there no mechanism to receive it till you are paid like @Loveinapril has now suggested, they clear see the need to keep providing rent allowance till the first wage is paid, but not for the arguably more important weekly payment?

Loveinapril

Loveinapril wrote: »

I know it is not ideal but when I was in a similar predicament (I was on invalidity pension), I claimed until my first month's wages came in then just paid the Social back. I explained why I did it and they were very understanding. There was no hassle at all.

I don't know how comfortable I'd be doing this, why don't they just allow this to be done

Gatling

Terrence Screeching Handlebar wrote: »

What can my CWO do?

They can pay a supplementry welfare allowance or give you an exceptional needs payment till you get paid ,

Loveinapril

Terrence Screeching Handlebar wrote: »

I don't know how comfortable I'd be doing this, why don't they just allow this to be done

I had no choice and was prepared for any backlash but was met with "you have to do what you have to do". It is certainly not ideal. I wonder could the CWO give you an exceptional needs payment.

Loveinapril

Loveinapril wrote: »

I had no choice and was prepared for any backlash but was met with "you have to do what you have to do". It is certainly not ideal. I wonder could the CWO give you an exceptional needs payment.

I think I'll take this route, thanks for your input

eastbono

As Gatling stated you can be paid a supplementary welfare allowance or exceptional needs payment from your community welfare officer to tide you over.