Applying for a Job Grant

The Job Grant no longer exists

If you have come to this page looking for information on how to apply for a Job Grant, you should know that this payment is no longer available. The Job Grant was a one-off, automatic payment made to people moving from benefits into work after a qualifying period. It was withdrawn during welfare reforms in the early 2010s.

Financial help still exists for people starting work. It is now handled differently, mainly through discretionary support from your local Jobcentre Plus rather than an automatic payment. This guide explains what you can actually claim in 2026.

The Flexible Support Fund

The main replacement for the old Job Grant is the Flexible Support Fund. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. It can help cover the practical costs of getting or starting a job.

The fund can pay for things like:

• Travel costs to interviews or your new workplace
• Work clothes, uniforms or safety footwear
• Tools or equipment you need for the job
• Training, licences or certifications required by an employer
• Upfront childcare costs before your first wage comes in

There is no online application form. You need to speak to your work coach at the Jobcentre in person. Awards are discretionary, meaning your work coach decides based on your circumstances and the budget available at your local office. Not everyone will qualify, and amounts vary. You can find more details at gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work.

Grant Eligibility Finder

Tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application.

Try our Grant Eligibility Finder free, here on this site →

Other support when you start working

Universal Credit continues to provide support even when you start earning. If you have children or limited capability for work, you benefit from a work allowance, which allows you to earn before your UC begins to reduce. Above that point, UC tapers off gradually rather than stopping immediately. Check gov.uk/universal-credit for current figures and how this applies to you.

There are also short term run on payments designed to help during your first weeks in work. These can include continued help with mortgage interest, a transitional Housing Benefit payment for those moving off legacy benefits, and extended Council Tax support. How long these last depends on your benefit history. See gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/support-when-you-start-working for details.

If you need money urgently for work related costs and the Flexible Support Fund is not available, you may be able to get a Budgeting Advance. This is an interest free advance on your Universal Credit that must be repaid from future payments. Those still on older income related benefits may qualify for a Budgeting Loan instead. Both options are explained at gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Help if you have a disability or health condition

Access to Work is a separate DWP scheme for people with a health condition or disability. It provides grants to help you get or stay in employment. This can include specialist equipment, workplace adaptations, support workers, help with travel to work, and mental health support.

Access to Work grants do not affect your other benefits and do not need to be repaid. Apply through gov.uk/access-to-work.

What to do next

If you are moving from benefits into work and need financial help, your first step is to contact your Jobcentre Plus work coach. Ask specifically about the Flexible Support Fund and any other support you might be entitled to. Clearly articulate the costs you are facing and when you need assistance.

Do not rely on outdated information about automatic grants. The system now depends on having a conversation with your work coach and making your case for discretionary support. Prepare thoroughly for that discussion by explaining your circumstances clearly.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →