Low paid job whilst training - am I entitled to benefits?!?

[Kezza2049]

Hi

I have been doing an NVQ in hairdressing on Saturdays and will be finished in July.

I would like to go on to work for Toni & Guy and do the last year - how ever I will be on an extremely low wage - not even minimum wage.. do you know if I would be entitled to benefits like income support etc as I have lots of household bills.

Thanks for your help

[ann_h]

Depends on your hours and personal circumstances, age etc.

 If you work up to 15 hours a week, you can claim Income Support. If you are doing 16+ hours you can claim Tax Credits ...both only under certain circumstances. The rules may have changed again recently - check out the inland revenue website for Tax Credits, or phone your local benefits agency (DSS) for an explanatory booklet and claim form for I.S., as appropriate.

Other than that you could in any case be able to apply for help towards your rent and Council Tax- although you will not be much better off financially than being unemployed, at least you can make ends meet. Do this at a neighbourhood office, and get a receipt for the completed forms as it will probably get lost at least once!

[silly moo]

I don't understand how you can be legally paid less than minimum wage., unless you will be earning min horly wage but working very few hours.
Contact CAB for some advice.

[clairelb]

You haven't mentioned how many hours you would be working at the salon, these will have an influence on whether you would be entitled to any benefits.If you will be working under 16 hrs per week, you may be entitled to claim Jobseeker's Allowance (I don't think Income Support would be applicable for you here), however any wages you earn will be taken into account.� You must also show you are looking for other employment to help support yourself by means other than benefits.� You will also be required to comply with any of the other regulations required of you, such as signing on and attending interviews at the Jobcentre.� As for the minimum wage, if the training you are being provided by the salon is considered to be part of an apprenticeship, then there is no obligation to pay you minimum wage - it is in fact treated as though you are at college.� You can double check this by ringing the Minimum Wage Helpline on 0845 6000 678.

[Kezza2049]

Thanks for your help.

I have looked at a few websites - and I may be entitled to tax credits.. which would help.  I am 24 at the moment - but I will be 25 when I change jobs.  I will be working 40 hours a week.  They don't have to pay me minimum wage because they will be training me. 

Its a big decision to make - but as long as I could pay my bills I would be happy because I would be doing something I want to do - and something that has a future career that I would be happy to do.