For many parents , getting back into work can prove financially difficult.
However, there is help out there, though not everybody knows about it.
The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is a government-led fund which is offered to parents getting back into work. The FSF is offered by local jobcentres, and can be approved at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus advisers.
Parents can use the fund on top of other benefits to help cover the costs for things such as childcare, travel to interviews, uniforms and work tools - provided the funding will help to secure a job. The money can also be used to pay for costs of training up to a value of £150.
There's no limit to how much you can claim through the FSF, but if you've already paid for something, you won't be able to claim through FSF to recover the costs.
Each claim is judged on a case-by-case basis by Jobcentre staff.
The FSF has been around for eight years, and was originally brought in to replace schemes such as the Deprived Areas Fund, the Adviser Discretion Fund and the Travel to Interview Scheme.
It's important to note that the FSF is a grant, and not a loan, so if your application is successful you won't be required to pay any of the money back.
Anybody who is receiving help from the Jobcentre can claim for FSF.
You won't be eligible for FSF if you're currently on the Work Programme, Work Choice or any legacy benefits that provide the same support. However, carers may be able to apply.
If you want to apply, you'll need to do so at your local jobcentre. Upon application, they may ask you to prove that you won't be able to pay for the things you're asking them to help fund, and you'll also be asked to explain exactly what you'll be using the money for.
The government does not have a page dedicated to explaining the fund, so if you want further details, you should contact your local job centre.
