What is a work coach? You may be unemployed. Additionally, you may be earning certain benefits. If this is the case, you will have a work coach assigned to you. They will help you find work. This Your Benefits article will tell you everything that you need to know.
What is a work coach?
A work coach is an individual that can help you find work if you are unemployed. Additionally, they can help you manage your finances and support you in your job search.
Indeed, the virus has put many people out of work. As such, it is important that these people receive the help they need to find work. The role that a work coach play is needed now more than ever.
What can work coaches help me with?
There are a number of things that a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coach can help you with. For example, they will help you in figuring out a Claimant Commitment appropriate for your situation.
They are also able to talk in the local labour market. More specifically, they may discuss with local businesses to see if they are recruiting. Additionally, they may inquire to see what kinds of workers they are recruiting.
A work coach might match you to different job vacancies. Furthermore, they could recommend training courses. In fact, this is for you to learn skills. Then, you may improve your employability.
Also note that they can do things like help you with your resume. They may give you tips when writing emails to recruiters. Additionally, they can help you with interview techniques and tips.
You may have a health condition. If this is the case, your work coach could help you in adjusting your situation to be able to work. Lastly, you may be eligible for group sessions in your area.
Work coach: for what benefits?
They are a number of benefits for which a work coach will be assigned to you. More specifically, if you earn one of the following, you may already meet with one:
- Income Support;
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
- Universal Credit.
These benefits have the requirement of a Claimant Commitment. This is an agreement that you will determine with your work coach. Furthermore, it will determine what you need to do in order to keep earning your benefit.
You may be unsure of what you are entitled to. Then, Your Benefits can help. Indeed, we offer a free simulator that can show you all the aid you are entitled to. Furthermore, it then calculates the total amount you could be earning.
Your bills may also weigh heavy on your monthly budget. Then, our advisers can help you save money on them. Indeed, if you ask to be called back, our advisers will show you how to save on your electricity, phone, water bill, and more.
What is a Work Coach ‘Claimant Commitment’?
A Claimant Commitment is an agreement that you determine with your work coach. More specifically, it ensures that you are taking the necessary steps to find a job. This may include:
- Taking training courses (this is to gain skills to increase your employability);
- Making and improving your resume;
- Looking for and applying for jobs.
You may have a partner. If this is the case, you will both have a Claimant Commitment. Indeed, you will then both have to adhere to it.
Note that you will have to attend appointments regularly. This could be face-to-face or over the phone or via video. Not attending these meetings could impact your benefit payments.
Work coach: what is Income Support?
Income Support is a benefit for those on a low income. More specifically, it is meant to help those who cannot cover all of their living costs. It pays weekly. Like many benefits, it is being replaced by Universal Credit. You will be assigned a work coach.
If you were eligible for Income Support, you will continue to get it. This is if your situation does not change. However, your payments may stop if it does. Then, you may get Universal Credit.
Income Support consists of two different parts. First is the basic payment. This is also called the personal allowance. Then, there are extra payments. These are also known as premiums.
Payments are typically received every couple of weeks. Like other benefits, payments are put directly into your credit union, building society or bank account directly.
Work coach: what is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a benefit for which a work coach will be assigned to you. Moreover, the benefit is meant to help cover living costs. You will receive payments monthly. However, this is different for people living in Scotland, who will receive payments bi-monthly.
Universal Credit is replacing a number of benefits. Mainly, the following:
- Child Tax Credit;
- Working Tax Credit;
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA);
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
- Income Support;
- Housing Benefit.
A lot of these benefits will assign you a work coach. They will help you in finding a job. Additionally, if you already do, you may continue to earn these benefits. This is unless the following happens:
- You experience a change of circumstances that need to be reported;
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) contacts you about claiming Universal Credit instead of your current benefit.
What is Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)?
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) is a benefit whose goal is to help you find work. Previously, you may have heard of this benefit as ‘contribution-based‘ or ‘income-based’ JSA. This is the old version of the benefit.
The new form of the benefit is ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA). There is a set amount of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) you can get. Indeed, you may be 24 years or younger. Then, you will receive a certain amount. Otherwise, you may be 25 years or older. Then, you will receive another amount. They are as follows:
| Jobseeker's Allowance rates in 2022 | |
|---|---|
| How old you are | Weekly payment amounts |
| 24 years or younger | £59.20 or less |
| 25 years or older | £74.70 or less |
Payments are made weekly. They are paid straight into your bank, credit union or building society account. You will get these payments for a maximum of 182 days (which is about 6 months). Afterwards, your work coach will be able to tell you how to proceed.
What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?
The ‘new style’ version of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) includes possibly attending a session with a work coach. ESA is a benefit for those whose disability or health condition impacts their ability to work.
They will talk to you about your qualifications, and what you can do in order to find work again. Additionally, they will talk to you about the support that’s available to help you.
how taking carers leave affect universal credit? does it need to be reported to universal credit account?
thanks
Hello,
You can take vacations when getting Universal Credit: https://www.your-benefits.co.uk/unemployment/universal-credit/
Hope this helps,
Robin