For more information on how Doncaster Council is working with it's partners to help during the economic downturn, click here.

Finding work

Jobmates are available to help people of Doncaster find ways to tackle their barriers into work. Barriers may be low confidence, low skills or other problems that prevent people finding employment and achieving a good quality of life. The Jobmates have access to a range of support services to help find training, volunteering and job vacancies. They may be able to help with housing, childcare and debt issues to help clients get that job. To find out more about Jobmates, click here.

For help finding your way back to work, find out how Jobcentre Plus can help here.

You can also search for and apply for jobs on the direct.gov website.

I don't know if I will be  better off or worse off if I take a job

You can use this calculator to work out how much you might gain or lose by taking a job.

What will happen to my benefits when I start work?

Some of your benefits will end, some can continue for a while, and you may be entitled to other benefits. Find out more on the Directgov website.

I'm looking for work, am I entitled to any benefits?

For more information about benefits for people who are looking for work, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceguide website.

Find help and advice about looking for work on the Directgov website.

Learn more about benefits, grants and allowances you may be entitled to if you are looking for work or already working on the Directgov website.

I've been made redundant, how much money should I get?

Find out more about redundancy pay on the Directgov website.

You can learn more about redundancy and your rights on the Directgov website.

My employer says I have to retire, is that right?

Find out more about retirement and your rights on the Directgov website.

I've lost my job, what should I do?

If you think you shouldn't have lost your job, you can check whether your employer followed the correct procedure.

If you want to speak to a Citizens Advice Bureau adviser, you can find your nearest bureau here.

St. Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various locations throughout the borough. Find out more about St. Leger Homes' partnership with Doncaster West Development Trust and how to make an appointment with an adviser. You can ring them on 01709 868880, or email them at fi@dwdt.org.uk.

For more information about benefits for people who are looking for work, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceguide website.

Find help and advice about looking for work on the Directgov website.

Learn more about benefits, grants and allowances you may be entitled to if you are looking for work or already working on the Directgov website.

If you have lost your job, you may be entitled to the following benefits;

Also, find out more about how to manage your money on our 'Managing your money' and 'Managing money problems' pages.

I can't work because I'm ill, what am I entitled to?

You are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay if you have been working and earning at least £95 a week on average. It does not matter how long you have been working.

Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay on the Directgov website.

If you cannot work because you are ill, you may be entitled to Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance.

Find out more about Incapacity Benefit on the Directgov website.

Find out more about Employment and Support Allowance on the Directgov website.

Your employer may also have their own sick pay scheme.

You may also be entitled to the following benefits;

I can't claim sick pay or Incapacity Benefit, what should I do?

You may be entitled to Income Support if you are on a low income. Find out more about Income Support on the Directgov website.

I'm disabled, what help is available?

Find out what financial help you may be entitled to if you are disabled – whether or not you are working – on the Directgov website.

Advice for disabled people on finding work is available on the Directgov website.

Easy-to-understand information about benefits

Visit the Directgov website for clear and straightforward information about what benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim them.

Find out more about claiming benefits

To find out about claiming benefits, ring Jobcentre Plus free on 0800 055 6688, 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday. Textphone 0800 023 4888.

If you want to make an enquiry about a benefit you already receive, ring 0845 60 88 508.

For general advice on benefits for disabled people, their carers and representatives, ring the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 2200.

Work out what you might be entitled to

Use our benefits calculator to work out what benefits you might be entitled to.

You can also visit our 'Maximise your income' page to find out what else you might be able to do to increase your income.

Apply online

You can also apply online for the following benefits:

It is very important to tell the benefits people straight away about any changes in your circumstances or income.

I'm already in debt, what shall I do?

If you are in debt, it is best to get some advice straight away, for example, from your local Citizens Advice bureau. You can find your nearest bureau here.

St. Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various locations throughout the borough. Find out more about St. Leger Homes' partnership with Doncaster West Development Trust and how to make an appointment with an adviser. You can ring them on 01709 868880, or email them at fi@dwdt.org.uk.

For free information and advice about debt, visit the National Debtline website or ring them on 0808 808 4000.

Also, find out more about how to manage your money on our 'Managing your money' and 'Managing money problems' pages.