FAQs

Do I have to be a lone parent to get support?
Can I stay on benefits while registered with Working for Families?
Do you pass my details onto other agencies and government departments?
Do I have to live in a certain area of the city in order to get help from Working for Families?
Do you help families who have a child with special need?
Can you visit me in my own home?
What kind of opportunities can you help parents/carers access?
What kind of help do you offer with childcare?
What kind of help can I get from Working for Families if I am already in a job?

Do I have to be a lone parent to get support?

We support all eligible families.
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Can I stay on benefits while registered with Working for Families?

Yes. You are able to claim benefits while registered with Working for Families. We are an advisory service and offer information and guidance for parents who want help with plans for a job, training or other work related opportunities. We can also help parents who are working and have concerns about childcare and may benefit from practical support to help them improve or change their employment.
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Do you pass my details onto other agencies and government departments?

No. We provide a one-to-one service with a confidentiality policy which is adopted by all Working for Families advisers and staff. We will not pass on any personal information to individuals, agencies and organisations unless you say we can.
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Do I have to live in a certain area of the city in order to get help from Working for Families?

No. Working for Families is a city wide project and funding covers the City of Edinburgh Council local authority area. We can support parents/carers who live in the city centre as well as outlying areas such as Kirkliston, Newbridge, Queensferry and Ratho.
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Do you help families who have a child with special needs?

Yes. We aim to help all eligible families and use specialist services where appropriate.
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Can you visit me in my own home?

No. We can however meet up with a parent/carer in a local community centre, school, nursery, place of work or other public office where it would be convenient to meet. We aim to offer a 'family friendly' welcome and have a toy/games box in our offices to keep children entertained when you visit our advisers.
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What kind of opportunities can you help parents/carers access?

Firstly, we work with a parent/carer to find out what they would be interested in doing and what their plans are for work, training or related activities.
We would then help them identify opportunities that might suit their needs - for example a part-time training programme, work experience, volunteering placement, job trial, job vacancies, community education programme or other specialist course. Our advisers keep up-to-date with a wide range of opportunities and services that can support parents and carers. We also have a network of contacts and information on specialist groups and services.
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What kind of help do you offer with childcare?

We can you help parents/carer to work out a childcare solution to support their plans and needs. We are in contact with local providers in all areas in the city and will be able to advise on suitable options that would work for your children. We can pay for some childcare costs for parents/carers who are making transitions to work and training.
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What kind of help can I get from Working for Families if I am already in a job?

We can provide help to all eligible working parents to support any plans to improve or change job options. We can also help with advice on childcare if this is a concern for working parents/carers.
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