At different times in your life you may need extra advice and support to help you into work. Whether you are a lone parent, disabled, leaving school or college, over 50, or simply out of work, there’s practical help available. Use this section to find out information on what to do if you are looking for work, where to go to get help, as well as support that may be available to you. Below you will find a summary of the topics covered in this section. If you would like more information, then click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

There are certain things you need to know before applying for a job. If you are not a UK citizen, for example, you'll need to know what the rules and regulations apply to you in getting a job. If you want to come to the UK to work, whether you can do so depends on who you are. Unless you're a British citizen or a citizen of one of the European Economic Area (EEA) countries, you may need a visa before you travel here. Find out whether or not you will need a visa and what restrictions may be placed upon that visa.

You'll also need to know what your rights are when it comes to job references, what obligations your employer has to give you one and also what your rights are if you accept a job. Find out more about these rights and obligations in this section.

Looking for work can be a difficult task especially when it comes to balancing the books whilst you are without regular income. However, there may be help available to you if you are employed but looking for work. These benefits are summarised below.

If you're of working age but unemployed and actively seeking work, you may be able to get Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). Find out what the requirements are to qualify for this benefit.

Job Grant is a one-off tax-free payment when you or your partner or civil partner start work and stop getting benefits. Find out whether or not you qualify.

You may get Working Tax Credit if you work enough hours a week but are on a low income. Extra money is available if you pay for childcare, work 30 or more hours a week, are disabled or aged 50 or over and returning to work after being on benefit. Find out whether or not you qualify.

You may be able to get a Career Development Loan (CDL) to help pay for vocational learning or education. While you're studying and for one month afterwards, the government will pay the interest then when your course finishes - you'll start repaying the loan. Find out how this loan works and whether or not you fulfil the government's requirements for this loan.

If you need financial help to live independently in the community or to ease exceptional pressure on you and your family you may be able to get a Community Care Grant. You don't have to pay it back. Find out whether or not you qualify for this grant and also how to apply for one.