Moving from Benefits to Starting Work as a PA

You may be considering starting (or returning) to work as a Personal Assistant if you have been out of work for a period of time.

If you’ve been receiving benefits, you may not have to give up all of your benefits when you start work. Some benefits may carry on and there may be others available to you once you have started working.

How much can I earn as a PA without it affecting my benefits?

How much you can earn will depend on your circumstances and which benefits you are entitled to. The benefits you can claim may change when you start to work, and there may be new benefits you’re eligible for. So it’s worth getting advice before making a decision about whether to take a job in case it will impact your benefits.

You can use a benefits calculator like the one on the Turn2Us website to work out what benefits you will be entitled to once you start work: https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/

There is a lot of variety in the PA roles on offer and it’s likely you will be able to find something to suit your circumstances in your local area. Take a look at the My Job Scotland PA vacancy page in the Resources section below to find PA roles near you.

How to move from benefits to starting work as a PA

Your Jobcentre Plus work coach will help you to manage your move back into work and help you to make changes to your benefits, including tax credits.

There are other schemes you may be able to access to support you into work, including the Flexible Support Fund which can help with travel costs to attend interviews and clothing to start work. Your Jobcentre Plus advisor can let you know if you can apply for this fund.

If you are a parent, there is help and advice available about starting work. Take a look at the Parent Club website below for more information.

If you provide unpaid care to a friend or family member, you may also be able to get help and advice from your local Carer’s Centre about starting or returning to work. Find details of your local Carers’ Centre on the Coalition of Carers website: https://www.carersnet.org/what-support-can-i-access/