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Who is eligible?

You can claim Job Grant if you take up full-time work (at least 16 hours a week) and you expect the work to last for at least five weeks. You must also have been claiming one of the following benefits for at least 26 weeks before starting your new job:

You may also get Job Grant if your partner or civil partner starts working at least 24 hours a week, and as a result - your benefit stops.

• Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit

How much do you get?

The amount of Job Grant you will get depends on your circumstances:

Effect on benefits or tax credits

Job Grant is tax-free and doesn't reduce other benefits or tax credits you may be entitled to once you start work.

If you qualify for the Job Grant you'll also be eligible for Extended Council Tax Benefit and Extended Housing Benefit.

• Extended Payment of Housing Benefit
• Extended Payment of Council Tax Benefit

How to claim

You'll automatically get Job Grant so long as you're eligible. You just need to make sure you tell your Jobcentre Plus Office that you're starting work. You'll be paid in the same way as you were paid benefits.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus Opens new window

How to appeal

You can't appeal.

But if you've been refused Job Grant or think you got the wrong amount, you can ask the office that dealt with your claim to reconsider their decision.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus Opens new window

What else you need to know

Job Grant replaced Back to Work Bonus and Lone Parent's Benefit Run-on for new claims from 25 October 2004.

If you're under 25 and eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance, the New Deal for Young People aims to help you get back into work through training and work experience.

If you're unsure about which benefits you're entitled to, it's a good idea to talk to someone at your local Jobcentre Plus Office.

• Contact Jobcentre Plus Opens new window

More useful links

• Income Support benefit and other employed or looking for work benefit information
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Dealing with debt problems
• Child Trust Fund - saving your child's money