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Unemployment Advice

Q: I am out of work/ have just left school or college, and am looking for work. What benefits can I get?

A:   Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) is for people who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week and who are available and actively seeking work.  There are two forms of JSA and conditions apply to eligibility.

For more information on Jobseekers' Allowance.


Q:  I’m out of work and in debt.  Where can I get help and information?

A:   You can contact Stirling Council's Advice Service for information, advice and assistance on 01786 442460 or the National Debtline.

You will find:

  1. A personal budget section to work out what repayments you can afford
  2. A selection of sample letters to write to your creditors
  3. A debt advice section with information that may help you deal with your debt problem
  4. Access to a library of factsheets

The National Debtline helpline number is 0800 808 4000.

Citizen’s Advice can also give basic advice and information.  Their Advice Guide gives you a broad outline of where you stand and what you can do.  If your problem is complicated, you may need for detailed advice, for example from your local Citizens Advice Bureau


Q:   I am off sick and can’t work.  What benefits can help me?

A:   If you are unable to work because you are sick or disabled you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (paid by your employer) if you usually work as an employee, earn more than a certain amount and have not been sick for more than 28 weeks.   For further information on sickness and availability for work contact JobcentrePlus.


Q:   I have care needs and/or mobility problems and I’m under 65.  Am I entitled to benefits?

A:  You may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA).  You don’t have to be receiving care to be entitled to DLA.


Q: I want to find work.  Who can help me?

A:   Your local Jobcentre can help:

Stirling Jobcentre Plus
South Lodge
2 St Ninians Road
Stirling FK8 2HF
Telephone 01786 432600  Textphone 01786 432674.


Q:   I want to start my own business.  Who can help me?

A:  The Small Business Service (SBS) is an agency within the Department of Trade and Industry.  They provide guidance for small businesses.


Q:  I’m on a low income and working less than 16 hours a week.  What benefits can I get?

A:   Income Support provides financial help for people between 16 and 60 who are on a low income who are not in full-time paid work and who are in one of the groups of people who can claim Income Support.


Q:   I’m on a low income and working more than 16 hours a week, and I have children.  What are my entitlements?

A:   Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are additional sources of income for working people with children.  Payments include money for each child and help with eligible childcare costs.

Tax Credits helpline: 0845 300 3900


Q:  I’m on a low income.  Are there health benefits I can claim?

A:   Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the amount of money you have coming in and your savings.  People can get help on age or medical grounds or by being in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers’ Allowance (income based) or Tax Credits.  For more information please see leaflet HC11.


Q:   Where can I find out more detail about employment law and my rights?

A:   Directgov provides useful information on employment rights.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the leading agency working to eliminate sex discrimination.


Q:  Where can I get information about trade unions?

A:   You will find a list of trade union contacts on the TUC’s site: