Finding work after caring

Schemes to help people on benefits back into work include:

Work Trial is a programme that gives unemployed people the chance to try out a real job vacancy for up to 30 working days. This includes carers who may be considering returning to work. It is a voluntary scheme that aims to show a potential employer you are right for the job they are seeking to fill.

A Work Trial offers you the chance to:

• try out a job and show the employer that you are the right person for the job
• continue receiving benefits during the trial period
• have your travel expenses to and from work paid for plus a £3 a day meal allowance

Your benefits will not be affected if you:

• decide to leave the Work Trial before the trial period ends
• turn down the job if it is offered to you at the end of the trial period

If the job is offered to you and you agree to accept it Jobcentre Plus will inform you about the type of in-work benefits and tax credits you may be able to claim while working.

Arranging your own Work Trial

Ask at your local Jobcentre Plus office if you'd like to arrange your own Work Trial. They'll usually give you a copy of the letter "Work Trials: try it for yourself". You can then send it to the employer along with your application form and job application or CV. Either the employer or your Jobcentre Plus office will then contact you.

Alternatively, if the employer expresses doubts about your ability to do the job at interview, you can show them the letter . This will let them know that you qualify for the trial. Tell them that the letter tells them who to contact if they are interested.

Employment on Trial allows you to leave a job and start claiming Jobseeker's Allowance again without this affecting your benefit (unless you're sacked or leave because of misconduct).

You must have worked more than 16 hours a week for between four and 12 weeks before leaving the job.

If you're a disabled carer thinking of returning to paid work after a long period out, the Jobcentre Plus Work Choice programme may provide the support you need. It's designed to help disabled people whose needs can't be met through other programmes like Access to Work.

The support you get through Work Choice can be tailored to meet your needs, and consists of:

• Work entry support: includes help with personal skills and finding work and can last up to six months. You can be helped to get supported or unsupported work.
• In-work support: which can give you help with starting work and staying in your job. This support can last up to two years.
• Longer term in-work support: which can help you to progress in your job. If appropriate, you may be helped to move into unsupported work.

If you'd like to find out more about Work Choice, contact your local Jobcentre Plus.

An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition to help you:

• start working
• stay in work
• move into self-employment or start a business

The grant is not for business start-up costs.

How much you get depends on your circumstances. The money doesn't have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.

Work Choice

If you're a disabled carer thinking of returning to paid work after a long period out, the Jobcentre Plus Work Choice programme may provide the support you need. It's designed to help disabled people whose needs can't be met through other programmes like Access to Work.

The support you get through Work Choice can be tailored to meet your needs, and consists of:

• Work entry support: includes help with personal skills and finding work and can last up to six months. You can be helped to get supported or unsupported work.
• In-work support: which can give you help with starting work and staying in your job. This support can last up to two years.
• Longer term in-work support: which can help you to progress in your job. If appropriate, you may be helped to move into unsupported work.

If you'd like to find out more about Work Choice, contact your local Jobcentre Plus.