Are you starting work?
Find out how we can help through In Work Support
Getting a job is a great step towards independence
We understand that starting a new job isn’t always easy – so we want to help support you while you settle into work.
Here’s how In Work Support can help
At work
In Work Support is a personal service and can help and support you in your job.
Here are the sorts of things they can help with:
- advice on the best ways to manage your time
- resolving problems you may have with your
- employer or co-workers
- advice on your rights as an employee
- help with learning new skills for your job.
At home
While you get used to the routine of working, you may also need help with personal things like:
- childcare
- healthcare
- relationship problems
- budgeting advice.
The person providing In Work Support will help in any way they can. They know lots of people in the community – so if they can’t help for some reason, they know of people who can.
Help in dealing with other people
If you’re uncomfortable talking to other people the person providing In Work Support can support you to talk to them, or talk to them on your behalf.
The sorts of people you may need help in dealing with include:
- banks
- government departments, such as Inland Revenue or Immigration Service
- childcare centres
- phone or electricity companies.
Financial help
Here are some of the ways we can help financially while you’re working.
Work costs
A Work Start grant can help with essential things like buying work clothes or paying for travel in your first week of work. It can also help pay for living costs while you wait for your first pay.
Health costs
The Community Services Card can help with the costs of visiting your doctor and getting prescriptions. It’s a family card so you can use it for dependent children under 18.
Accommodation costs
An Accommodation Supplement can help with the costs of your rent, board or home.
Childcare Costs
A Childcare Subsidy can help with childcare costs for children under 5 years. An Oscar Subsidy can help with before and after school care, and care during the school holidays for children aged 5-13.
Emergency payments
If you’re in hardship and need some extra help to get you through the tough times, you may be able to get a Special Needs Grant, Temporary Additional Support or an Advance Benefit Payment.
Family Assistance tax credits
For families with dependent children aged 18 or under. It is paid by Inland Revenue and is made up of four types of payments and you may qualify for one or more, depending on your personal situation:
- Family Support
- In-Work Payment
- Family Tax Credit
- Parental Tax Credit.
There’s more about these and other financial help in our brochure:
