Applying for a Job Grant

Originally written by Jennifer Lowe, updated by the editorial team on 19th July 2026

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 It was withdrawn during welfare reforms in the early 2010s.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 →

56 questions

Ask Grants Expert a Question

Anton 07/09/2022 at 7:04 pm

Have just started universal credit bit jave job interview/induction on Friday but have no food luch money etc or travel expenses am i elligible

Anton 07/09/2022 at 7:02 pm

I am getting an induction / interview for a job on Friday but have no luch money travel expenses etc.. will i get rhe grant

Dejected 01/07/2022 at 1:23 pm

The grant is for help returning to work for travel, clothing etc but depends on your work coach. I asked for help 3 weeks ago started my new job a week ago, to which I have to take 1:30min bus ride to/from. Now that money has gone and I will have to withdraw from the role as I have no way to get there. Be warned, provide as much info as you can with full confirmation a soon as you can, or you may end up in the same situation.

Natalie 06/10/2021 at 4:04 pm

I have just qualified as a mental health nurse. I have a 17 month old child and I’m a single parent. I receive universal credit. I start a new job on 8th of nov and as a result won’t get a wage from it until end of Dec. I currently do bank shifts for the NHS but will not be able to when I start my new post. Universal credit does not cover all the bills and food shopping so in dec I won’t be able to fund the food shop. Would I be entitled to the grant?

Cheniel 01/07/2021 at 12:16 pm

Hi I have just got myself back into work but trying to get some sort help i been on universal credit for about 3 years I am a single parent and trying to better myself but I feel like there's no help out there

Ben 16/06/2020 at 12:16 pm

Started receiving universal credit due to the coronavirus. I have been told I will be going back to work tomorrow and I need new brushes and overalls being a painter and decorator. I will also need travel costs to get to and from work.
Can I apply for this job grant

Law 11/04/2020 at 9:58 pm

I have had a bad few years with my mental health. Unfortunatly due to my mental health i am unable to have my children living with me. I always try to help others and put their needs before mine. I am having a really hard time right now and would use a grant to decorate my bedroom nicely and have a new bed and a general make over in it so that i have a nice calm space to try to relax in and get my head together in.

Dave 08/01/2020 at 4:34 am

Hi so had a mental brake down 4 years ago after I left with three kids to be near family had to rebuild my self in new place I have not worked in a while long time suffer anxiety etc I 36 years of age left high school NVQ 12 hair and well was mixed up alot so my jobs and bits and Bob's in career change are bad my cv has NVQ and diploma in painting etc well I am on meds etc over the years support from people etc I want to do voluntary work at local barber's and salon which I took me soon for 4 years hair cut and fee safe to have opportunity to rebuild myself a career etc but how to get help with course or courses to update refresh skills so I can prepare for future with help from barber salon supports me every way apart from money to do courses to provide a career

Tarz 13/10/2019 at 8:08 am

I have been offered new employment position which will be a permanent role subject to passing probationary .i am due to start end of October. I’m in need of travel cost and help with clothing is this possible. I have been on UC since May .

Fiona 30/09/2019 at 10:07 am

I've been offered a job in london with good money
I've been claiming for 9 months as I had a baby.
I know I can get some family tax and child tax credit as well as some child care costs paid but
Can I get help with travel, childcare costs upfront to help me secure my job ? From the job centre etc

Joe 28/03/2019 at 10:35 am

I have been claiming j.s.a. for 3 month..I have a job interview in a few days time but have no clothes to attend it with..can I get a grant for clothes..

Robbie mac 08/02/2019 at 11:15 pm

Thinking about getting back to work as a van driver but don't know if i need a cpc adr card for safety insurance, i a currently been my wifes carere but looking for part time work or how to apply , i am 46 years old and don't have much of a c.v , any help would be really appreciated

Kaywillow 28/11/2018 at 11:15 am

Im currently on esa I’ve been offered a job and start 1st of jan my hours will be 14hrs one week then 20hours the next then 14hrs agin and then 20hrs and so on, I’ve work it out in the month it works out 17 hours a week will I be able to get a grant?

janine 05/10/2018 at 3:08 pm

I can see that people with a disability or family's with a disabled child can get help with holidays and other things but what about a couple on a low income or with children that don't have disabilities what help of funding is available to them

Nicky 20/09/2018 at 9:50 am

Iv bin on ESA and my partner is in the cliam and get job seekers. I'm starting to get fit again and want to look for some sort of work would I be entitled to a job grant. And what would happen to my partner's job seekers claim.

Bluenose 08/09/2018 at 11:01 am

Has anything replaced the job grant as I’m about to start work and get paid 4 weekly and not sure what to do about money until then

Sarahandkids 10/08/2018 at 10:28 am

I have been on income support for a while and now I have an interview and garenteed a job at the end of it is there any support I can get to provide uniform as I have nothing

Sharon 13/07/2018 at 1:00 pm

I’m coming offf benefit I have just done my level 3 beauty I wish to start training it botox and filler in order for me to do this I need to train futher in a private course it’s over £3.000 is there any funding to help me once I’ve completed this course I can start my own business I’m a single mother to a disabled child

GrantsExpert Editor 10/10/2017 at 2:13 pm

The easiest thing to do is try your local council and job centre. There are also some regional organisations offering specific schemes such as TCHC

Gooner 09/10/2017 at 11:27 am

I've been off sick for a long long time and am in the stages of getting fit again. I have the chance of getting straight back to work but need a driving licence all terrain fork lift licence and cs card. I have been off sick for 6 years and need this work, where can I get help getting the above items???

GrantsExpert Editor 11/09/2017 at 11:23 am

We really don't know, as we don't know about the rest of your circumstances. It would be easier to ask your housing benefit department.

Deb 08/09/2017 at 2:22 pm

Hi I have started working 16 hours a week. Do I have to pay for my housing? It's 800 a month. How much roughly would they pay?

GrantsExpert Editor 15/06/2017 at 2:01 pm

No as the article says, a job grant is not available anymore.

Deli licious 12/06/2017 at 5:45 pm

Hello. I've just started work and signed off jsa. (16 hours) does the job grant still exist at this time?

Soph 11/06/2017 at 8:54 pm

My name is Sophie and I'm beginning an aprenticeship in carpentry within the next two weeks. My employer said I need to buy my own tools, however I cannot afford to buy them.
I'm on job seekers allowance at the moment and so I'm struggling for paying bills and food already. I wouldn't want my situation now affect my chance of this apprenticeship opportunity, so I'm trying to get help for a payment of £100 to pay for my tools and equipment.
Please let me know if there are any organisations that can help me.

GrantsExpert Editor 14/10/2015 at 12:56 pm

You could try Employment support allowance or look at crisis loans, or advance pay from your employer.

dave 13/10/2015 at 6:12 pm

hi I just seen that job grant is no longer available I have been on jsa for 18 months and 2 days ago started work is there any other money I could claim to help me along in to my new job thanks

GrantsExpert Editor 09/09/2015 at 11:03 am

Here are a few ideas: Try applying for Employment Support Allowance If you have a mortgage, look into "Mortgage Interest Run On" - extra money you can get towards your housing costs if certain other benefits are stopping because you're returning to work. You can get this help for 4 weeks. Check with your council about a ‘discretionary housing payment’ if your Housing Benefit doesn’t cover your rent Ask your bank for an agreed overdraft Ask your employer to pay your salary in advance or after two weeks instead of month etc

Thompsondc 08/09/2015 at 8:21 am

Hi I got a 20+ job
Jsa people say I no right to any help job grant bus fair or anything how am I ment to get work support me my partner and child under 2??? No income for 4week please may you help me as I got nothing no income

Fares 13/08/2015 at 1:49 am

I have been long as JSA I try my best to get job I have plan to start smal food besness just I need smal mony to start . Is the JSA ofice can help me with that

JSA70 26/07/2015 at 9:27 am

Hello,
I have been put on the Work Programme after claiming JSA over 26 weeks.I have been reading about help with travel for the first month when you get work.Reading the eligibility it states if you are on the work programme you cannot claim a free pass?
Would it be the case that DWP provide you with a pass instead?Most jobs are paid monthly now so what would be the circumstances that you would not be eligible for a job grant when you get into work and are paid monthly.

GrantsExpert Editor 16/06/2015 at 12:56 pm

@a. Try the Discretionary Learner Support Grant. If your course is at a university you could be eligible for a student loan. Alternatively try The Turn2Us grants and benefits page.

a 11/06/2015 at 5:27 pm

hi i have been offered a training course to become a full time level 3 gym trainer
im on esa now ive been on it for 2 years
im 42 could i apply for a grant to take course

htxx 22/05/2015 at 7:13 pm

I have been claiming JSA just 3 weeks. I have been for a couple job interviews recently and have been called back 3 times to one job, which gives me the impression i have a good chance of getting this job. However, the place does not provide uniforms and i havent got clothes or funds to buy clothes to suit this job roll.
Is there anything i can get to help me to buy some clothes if i was to get this job? As i have just read that you have to have been clining JSA for a minimum of 26weeks.
Thank you

GrantsExpert Editor 21/05/2015 at 11:04 am

@Supeginge90. You should only have one month without funds if you are working one month in hand. There's a good overview of the various crisis payments available on this page of the CAB website. We hope one of these will help you and good luck in your new job.

Superginge90 18/05/2015 at 10:53 am

Hi I am starting work soon and I have to work a month in hand which will leave me, my partner and my 1 year old with no money.The job centre said they are unable to provide me with any help with money meaning for 2 month I am unable to buy food, toiletries, baby provisions or pay bills.What should I do??

GrantsExpert Editor 15/05/2015 at 1:30 pm

@taverymuch. Thank you for the information.

taverymuch 11/05/2015 at 10:56 pm

The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is available to apply for to help you start or move towards finding work.It can also be used to cover costs for goods and services that include:tools,childcare,travel to interviews,clothing and uniforms to start work. It is discretionary, which means that there is no automatic right to receive support. You need to be claiming ESA,JSA or Income support. if you are looking at going back to work make sure you ring jobcentre and let them know you would like an appointment to discuss support.

GrantsExpert Editor 13/05/2015 at 10:56 am

@ceren. Ask at your job centre first. They should have a list of any local organisations that help with things like this (we say should...but you have to be lucky to be in an area with the right staff). There is a charity called Smartworks that provides just this kind of thing. You should also try local charity shops as you may be able to pick up a really smart outfit for very little. Remember nowadays you're expected to look smart but this doesn't have to wear a skirt/trouser suit.

ceren 07/05/2015 at 12:49 pm

Hi I'm currently recieving esa (support group) and dla and I want to go back to work asap can you tell me any grants or hepl I may get for clothes etc for interviews.

GrantsExpert Editor 12/11/2014 at 11:02 am

@Jey. Yes as the information says at the top, the grant no longer exists.

jey 10/11/2014 at 11:24 pm

I just read that there no more job grant, is that true that if you return to work you won't be paid job grant? Because on jobcentre website there's no that kind of information.

iZZIE 21/08/2014 at 1:44 pm

Am I entitled to a job grant I started work on the 12.8.14 I am 60 years old.

sharonh 22/06/2014 at 1:18 am

I informed Jobcentre I had found work 16 hrs per week as my advisor had informed of Job Grant if returned to work.they said because I had started work I wasn't entitled.Read on government site about 30 minutes ago that you have to contact jobcentre within 21 days of starting work, I informed them within 2 days!!!!! Can I reclaim for it as I was within the 21 day period.

Michelle CAB 20/05/2014 at 3:20 pm

Hi,
Job grants & in work credit ceased in April 2013 there are no longer available to claim.
A four week run on of Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction may be applicable.
The local Authority's Welfare Fund may be able to pay a crisis grant.

rosie 26/03/2014 at 4:04 am

I am about to sign of JSA and start work on the 07/04/14 but will not be paid until the 28/04/14 is this grant still available?? My job centre have told me they will girve me money for new trousers and shoes when asked about travelling expenses etc was told that it no longer available
What do i do now??

Snafflecat 06/02/2014 at 11:20 pm

I signed off JSA on September 2013 and started work on October 1st 2013. Should i have been entitled to Back to Work Grant? I wasnt aware this grant even existed. I worked a month in hand and couldnt even get extended housing/council tax benefit. The job center i signed at was worse than useless at giving advice and information. Thanks for any info.

Dog lover 05/12/2013 at 10:04 pm

I've been on incapacity(changed to ESA) for few years, I'm single over 40 n have just got a full time job, will I receive the job grant?

budgie 29/10/2013 at 4:14 pm

I was made redundant in july 2013 and am likely to be taking a temporary role till January 2013 however if I take the job my first pay date will be dec 7th so would I qualify for a back to work grant as I would have the whole of November to manage my bills with no income. I am single and have no children

Jade 07/10/2013 at 10:37 am

I started work 28/9/13, im a lone parent am i entitled to a job grant?

Baz 15/09/2013 at 8:59 pm

Is the job grant still available and if not are there any other grants i am 49 and in reciept of DLA and i have now been working six weeks.

wilko 21/08/2013 at 2:14 pm

Hiya i work as a beauty therapist in a salon iv worked for 9 years doing this job.
i have just been made to drop my hrs at work and was looking at getting some of my equipment to do it from home and i was just wondering if i would be entitled to and grants so i could get all my things and get set up.
any help or advice would be great full x x
thanks

Helly 12/05/2013 at 12:18 pm

I'm confused I have just signed of work last week and when I asked about the 250 I was told it had stopped but people are saying its not stopped I'm a single parent and it would come in real handy

romeo 12/04/2013 at 6:48 am

Hello, I'm just wondering about the back to work grant, iv been on income support for a good while now as my daughters mother isn't around, my daughter is now in school, and iv secured full time work I signed off tuesday 9th march,does anyone know roughly how long it takes for the grant payment to be in my account and the money they owe me? Iv made my own way to work since tuesday costing me 25 pound a time travellin by train to liverpool, and now I'm very low on money I was told I'd get help to get me sorted and cover the costs for travelling and lunch breaks and so on, please help someone, thankyou

Nic 07/04/2013 at 10:24 pm

I found work on the 31st of march done my trial and got the Job will start on the 8th of April will is till get the grant?

sowndz 07/04/2013 at 2:04 pm

I signed off the dole on 24th march 2013 after claiming jobseekers for over 2 years. I told the job centre I was going back to work and was told I would be getting a back to work grant . I still havnt received it and I'm aware that they have now stopped the job grant.will I still be getting it even though I signed off before the grant was stopped.

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