Where can I get financial help whilst job seeking?
Last updated: 11 March 2013 10:36
- Information about Jobseeker's Allowance
Jobseeker's Allowance is the main benefit for people of working age who are out of work or work less than 16 hours a week on average. If you're eligible, it is paid while you're looking for work.
To find out more about Jobseeker's Allowance click here
- How to apply for Jobseeker's Allowance
You can apply for Jobseeker's Allowance online or over the phone:
To apply for Jobseeker's Allowance online click here
To apply for Jobseeker's Allowance over the phone call 0800 055 6688
If you find it hard to speak or hear clearly apply by text phone on 0800 023 4888
Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm
- Financial help for housing and Council Tax payments
Housing Benefit provides help with paying rent and Council Tax Support provides help with paying your Council Tax, if you are on a low income or not working.
To find out more about Housing and Council Tax Benefit you may be eligible for click here
- Other financial help you may be eligible for - Tax Credits
Tax Credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. You can often get both types of Tax Credits. They aren't taxable
To find out more about Tax Credits and how to claim click here
- Debt advice & counselling
The following organisations may be able to help you sort out any financial problems:
Portsmouth Advice Centre
Advice Portsmouth
Focus Point
116 Kingston Crescent
North End
Portsmouth
PO2 8AL
Advice Portsmouth provides free, independent and confidential advice to people in Portsmouth.
This includes general advice and specialist advice in :
• Housing
• Welfare benefits
• Debt
• Employment
• Family - legal advice clinic
The service also helps residents with questions about:
• contact with children / residence issues • domestic violence • occupation orders
• relationship breakdown • discrimination • unfair dismissal • repair / poor housing conditions
• going to court • rent or mortgage arrears • threatened / loss of home
• disability benefits / appeals / tribunals • housing benefit problems
• welfare benefit and tax credit problems • dealing with your debts and harassment from creditors
The centre is open: Monday - Wednesday: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday: 1.00 pm to 7.30 pm, Friday: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
In addition to the drop in, advice is also available by telephone or email as follows:
Phone number: 02392 794340
Email: enquiries@adviceportsmouth.org.uk
Website: http://www.adviceportsmouth.org.uk/
Debt advice services are also available from Portsmouth Citizen’s Advice Bureau – please see the following link: http://www.portsmouthcab.org.uk/
- Would I be better off working? Get a 'Better Off' calculation
To find out how much better off you would be working visit your nearest Jobcentre Plus or pop into the IAG Centre to get a ‘better off’ calculation:
Jobcentre Plus Portsmouth
27 Arundel Street
City Centre
Portsmouth
PO1 1NB
Jobcentre Plus Cosham
121 High Street
Cosham
PO6 3DR
