Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what financial support her Department provides to claimants of universal credit for (a) travelling to job interviews; (b) clothing for job interviews; (c) travelling to a new job in the first few weeks of employment; (d) clothing and lunch in the first few weeks of employment and (e) other costs incurred while seeking work.

The Flexible Support Fund (FSF) is available to provide financial assistance to claimants to support them as they move into work. It is a discretionary fund and awards are non-repayable.

A FSF award is offered as a means of removing barriers both in terms of finding and retaining employment as well as customer up-skilling. It can cover a variety of potential barriers such as; travel, childcare, clothing and training. The funding, therefore, is tailored to the individuals needs, increasing their chances in gaining a positive outcome.

In addition to this, budgeting advances are available to claimants and provide valuable access to interest free payments for one-off expenses that may arise.