Returning to Work / Resettlement Allowance
Resettlement Allowance
Since 2003, if your late spouse/partner would have been entitled to a Resettlement package (this does depend on the terms of employment), you as the widow/widower/partner are entitled to use the Forces' Resettlement Service.
Widows are now given up to 5 years to take up this entitlement.
You can get a training grant to help you update or gain new skills and knowledge in order to help you find employment. You can choose from a wide range of courses that include learning to drive or how to use a computer. You can claim "subsistence" (a Service term which means help with daily living costs) if you attend a course which is over 50 miles from your home and in some cases you can get some help with your travel costs.
The Resettlement Service also has talks on housing, financial matters and many other subjects such as writing a CV and practising interview skills. Your Visiting Officer will be able to give you further information and you can ask to see the Individual Education and Resettlement Officer (IERO) who is based in an Army Education Centre (AEC). The Visiting Officer will be able to put you in touch with an IERO or arrange for the IERO to contact you. If it is easier, the IERO can visit you at home.
Returning to Work
Regular Forces Employment Association Limited (RFEA Limited)
The Association's priority is job finding for service leavers but they can also assist widow/ers. This is available not only just after leaving the service. It is a Registered Charity able to offer clients a free service. Where your spouse was entitled to a resettlement allowance it may be possible for you to apply for the package to assist you to undertake a course/training which might assist in returning to work. You should contact your Visiting Officer to ask about this.
Provides
- A responsive counselling and job finding service
- Local job market advice and known employers
- Personal assistance from an Employment Consultant
- Continued support to retirement age
- Benefits to employer
- A no-cost and local recruitment service
- A personal and responsive employment consultant
- The Association operates a network of 30 branches throughout the UK
Contact head Office on 020 7321 2011 or speak to the Army enquiries & aftercare support cell at Upavon on 01980 615557/8
Some queries came up at our Amport House meeting about our use of ARS Maj Ridley Jones has kindly replied:
Q1: Can families have free access to Army Learning Centres(ALC) in the UK in the same way they can in Germany & would that include widows to whom resettlement has been transferred?
A: They can utilise ALCs in the UK provided they have the appropriate Barrack access pass.
Q2: Are Learn Direct courses free if accessed through ALCs or Army Libraries?
A: Most but not all are free e.g. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) carries a charge of £30.00 for the ECDL log book.
Q3: If someone has registered with Learn Direct via an Army source can they have free access at any Learn Direct location e.g. one in the centre of town?
A: This will depend on the High Street Provider. Some charge for access, some do not.
If there are any other questions on the use of ALCs the implementation manager will do his best to answer: Paul Jowett 01980 6151148
Women's Returners' Network - Opportunities for women returning to work
Women Returners
5 Meadowside
Chelmsford
CM2 6LN
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