Employment

Once you've done some learning or volunteering and updated your skills you might think about going back to work. Paid work can give you a real sense of achievement and the security it gives can help you to move on with your life.

There are a lot of organisations that can help you make your journey back to paid work. Check out the Employability Service Directories below for a list of services in your area that can help you get back to work.

You might also have an employment adviser in the project or day centre you attend. Ask a support worker if you're not sure.

Employment projects can help you

• get a CV togther (a list of your skills and work experience)

help you prepare for interviews

give you advice on moving from benefits onto a wage

sometimes give you help with clothing for interviews

It's important to remember that if you get a full time job you would no longer get housing benefit for your tenancy or funding for your supported acommodation. Please check with a benefits advice worker before you decide to take a job to check that you would be better off in work.

Money Advice Scotland can help you find a money advice project near you.

Your local regeneration agency or Job Centre can also help with a Better Off In Work calcuation.

If you receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or Income Support due to disability, there are major changes being made to these benefits from February 2011. You will be required to complete and return a medical questionnaire to JobCentre Plus, and possibly may have to attend a Work Capability Assessment.

You can get more information and advice on this process, including how to appeal against a decision, from Citizen's Advice, or the GAIN network.  More details on where to find these services can be found on our Money Advice page.