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Help combining work and caring

Work Preparation Support for Carers provides help and advice for you to make a successful move into work.

Even if you don’t feel ready to work now, you can still take advantage of Work Preparation Support. It is an optional service which you can choose to take part in or stop at any time.

You will receive help and support from a Jobcentre Plus personal adviser. This might include:

• help preparing for work
• help to find suitable training
• support in looking for and applying for a job
• help with the costs of travel, childcare, replacement care and course costs when you’re taking part in training or interviews agreed with Jobcentre Plus

Who is eligible

Work Preparation Support is available to carers who:

• do not work or work less than 16 hours a week
• are aged 18 or over
• are not participating or not required to participate in the Work Programme - see 'The Work Programme' for more information

• The Work Programme (employment section)

Replacement care

Jobcentre Plus may be able to help pay towards the cost of replacement care while you take part in training or attend interviews. Your personal adviser will be able to give you advice about finding replacement care.

How work might affect your benefits

Your personal adviser will be able to tell you about how your benefits might be affected if you start work. They will also help you apply for any benefits or tax credits you might become eligible for when you start working.

More about Work Focused Support for Carers

To find out more about Work Preparation Support, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.

• Jobcentre Plus - How to contact Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Organisations and charities for carers