Helping you into work
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.
Lone parents
If you are a lone parent and thinking about returning to work, but don't know where to start, there is help and advice available. Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office or JobCentre for further information.
- Find your local Jobs & Benefits office/JobCentre
- Finding Employment/Finding Staff - helpful advice (Department for Employment and Learning)
Moving from Incapacity Benefit to Employment and Support Allowance
People who move from Incapacity Benefit to Employment and Support Allowance receive full assistance to help them prepare for, and move into work. Clients will receive the services of a trained Employment Service Adviser in order to identify the most appropriate support, including advising on programmes available
Through initiatives such as Steps to Work and a range of Disability Employment Service programmes, staff will provide flexible work-focused support, tailored to the specific needs of each client. By offering training opportunities, job search skills, work experience placements and supported job opportunities, there is assistance to overcome barriers and provide a path back into employment.
People with disabilities, people with health conditions and carers
If you have a disability, have a health condition, have been seriously injured or are caring for someone, there is help, advice and support available to you if you're unable to work, looking for work or may be looking for work in the future.
- People with disabilities and employment (people with disabilities section)
- Help for people with a disability (Department for Employment and Learning)
- Carers and employment (caring for someone section)
Leaving school or college
Moving from school, college or university into work can be a big step. Even if you have a good idea of where you want to be, the best way to get there is not always clear. But there are lots of opportunities and help available to you and this includes getting the experience you need and financial help for training.
Over 50s
If you're out of work, it can take time to find another job regardless of your age. However, there are specialist programmes, resources and information available if you are over 50 to help you find work or learn new skills.
LEMIS
The Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) is an initiative designed to help unemployed people in the community overcome those issues that may be preventing them from finding and keeping a job.
Out of work
The Jobs & Benefits office, JobCentre and Social Security office network wants to help you get back to work quickly. Even in a economic downturn, many jobs are available. In the meanwhile, we'll step in by paying you benefits you may be entitled to and helping you look for work or learn new skills.
Travel to Interview Scheme
The Travel to Interview Scheme is designed to help unemployed people with the cost of travelling to interviews for full-time permanent positions in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Applications should be made in advance of your interview by completing a TIS 1 form, available from any Jobs & Benefits office/JobCentre.

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