Jobcentre Plus (faqs) Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an advisor discretion fund?

The Advisor Discretionary Fund is basically a financial incentive that is designed to help Jobcentre Plus customers make the transition from claiming benefits into employment. The main purpose is to help Jobcentre Plus customers remove small hurdles that prevent them from moving into work.

You maybe surprised as to how many benefits there are out there. You do not need to be unemployed to be eligible to claim benefits. You could be entitled to working tax credits. Working tax credits can equate to around £200 a month.  To find out whether you are eligible for working tax credits you need to phone the Inland Revenue Working Credits helpline -

It would take too long to list all the benefits available in the UK in this article.  The best action you can take is visit www.turn2us.org.uk.  This charity has recently become the public face of www.entitledto.com which is a benefits calculator.

It is a completely free service and there is also a free phone advice line. This service asks you a few questions about your circumstances and lists you what benefits and grants you could apply for. Be sure to check both the benefits checker and the grants checker.

Find Apprenticeship Information for young people in the UK

If you're aged 16-18 your Apprenticeship will be fully funded; for 19-24 year-olds your employer will be expected to contribute to your training costs

If you fancy learning the trade of your choice and earning as you go, an apprenticeship might be just the thing.

There are many reasons why an employer may dismiss you. If your employer is dismissing you from your work or terminating your contract of employment then you have certain rights to make sure the dismissal process is fair.

For more information go here: dismissed by your employer

Find out about bereavement benefits from the DWP

• You may be able to get a £2,000 Bereavement Payment if your spouse or civil partner died before 6 April 2017. This is a one-time, tax-free, lump-sum payment.
• You may get Bereavement Allowance
• You may also be entitled to aFuneral Payment

• Check that you are eligible for a Future Jobs Fund job by speaking to your JobsCentre Plus advisor or by calling the hotline, 01733 296571.
• You can choose up to 5 jobs which you are interested in. Remember you don't have to have experience or qualifications for these jobs - our number one priority is that you are interested in the role.
• You only have to complete one application form
• Return you completed application form to Peterborough JobCentre Plus, Broadway, addressed to the Future Jobs Fund Team, Stage 3 Managers.

Do You Need Help with Travel to Interview Scheme Facts

travel to interview scheme ? It is worth saving your Advisor Discretionary Fund (ADF) grant for costs other than transport costs for interviews as there is separate funding for that under the Travel To Interview Scheme (TIS). It is available to customers travelling ‘beyond their normal daily travelling distance’, which is decided by the individual local office.

• You can go to any Job centre Plus office and browse the vacancies board, as well as look through other resources such as newspapers, leaflets, books and the internet.
• You can search vacancies by looking at the Jobcentre Plus website at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. You can select criteria that narrow down the type of job you’re looking for and the location.
• You can call Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234 to find out about the latest job vacancies.

The job centre are under obligation to help you find a job if you are claiming JSA. Make an appointment with them to register (if you havent already) and from there you will be required to continue searching and fill in a book and go back to sign on once every 2 weeks. When you go in for your appointment, you can request a job search to be conducted for you, this is another way to do it as well as on the touch screen system in the centre.