What support can I get in England, Wales or Scotland?
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland and you’ve been unemployed or unable to work because of a disability, you may be able to get funding from the government to study for a further education qualification that will help you get work.
You may be able to get a training allowance as part of the Work Programme (which replaced the New Deal programme). This provides support, work experience and training for up to two years to help you find and stay in work.
You might be asked to join the Work Programme if you’ve been getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than three months, or you get Employment and Support Allowance.
Jobcentre Plus will write and ask you to attend an interview. Here’s the government’s information about Help with moving from benefits to work.
Scotland: if you live in Scotland you can get support from the government to take training to help you find work. You can benefit from these programmes:
- Get Ready for Work – if you’re between 16 and 19 years old you can get tailored work-based support and work experience placements to gain vocational and core skills, fill any knowledge gaps and boost your overall employability. If you take part full-time you get a training allowance and may be able to claim travel costs. For more information, see Get Ready for Work.
- Training for Work – if you’re over 18 years old and you’ve been unemployed for some time, you can get vocational training opportunities lasting from a few days to six months. Training is free, and you get a training allowance equivalent to your benefit entitlement. You may also get help towards your travel costs. For more information, see Training for Work.
What support can I get in Northern Ireland?
If you live in Northern Ireland and you’re unemployed, you can get support from the government to undertake further education training that will help you find work. You can benefit from these programmes:
- Steps to Work – if you’re 18 years old or older, or a lone parent aged 16 or older you can get a Training Premium of £15.38 a week for between three and 52 weeks while you study or re-train. You can get this if you’re unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week, in addition to any benefits you’re entitled to. For more information, see Steps to Work.
- Skills Development programme – if you’re between 18 and 24 years old you can do a work placement lasting between six and nine months, combined with skills training. You get a Training Allowance that’s equivalent to your benefit entitlement, plus £45 a week on top, and up to £4 a week for your travel costs. For more information, see Skills Development programme (which is part of the Youth Employment Scheme).
Related topics
What further education funding is available in England?
What further education funding is available in Wales?
What further education funding is available in Northern Ireland?
What further education funding is available in Scotland?
Alternative sources of student funding overview
This information was updated in March 2013. NUS provides this information in good faith and has taken care to make sure it’s accurate. However, student finance issues can be complicated, and rules change frequently. You should contact the advice centre in your students' union, college or university for support if you’re uncertain or need more help.