Life events
These publications relate to life events, like becoming a lone parent, becoming a student, or entering employment.
A Guide to Time Off Work
This is a basic guide covering the different types of leave or absence from work and who is entitled to them. This factsheet is only an introduction to what you may be entitled to, so please seek further advice where necessary.
There is a separate factsheet for Maternity Rights, which covers leave and pay if you are pregnant or have just had a baby.
See also: Factsheet 29: Your Rights at Work.
Maternity rights factsheet
This factsheet covers maternity rights at work and benefits you are entitled to if you are not working. It also looks at legal issues for unmarried parents. Maternity rights are complicated, and this factsheet gives only a brief outline.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Going back to work factsheet
Information on New Deal for Lone Parents and other support available when returning to work.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Downloads
Further education and training factsheet
This guide explains what Further Education is, and what help is available if you wish to study or train at this level.
What happens to my benefits when my child gets older?
As your children get older your benefits, tax credits and child support will change. This factsheet describes the main changes that you will want to be aware of.
Links:
Momentum
Momentum operates a range of employment support and training programmes designed to assist people with a range of different disabilities to return to or sustain work.
Shelter Scotland
Gives advice, information and help with legal and practical issues relating to housing matters.
Into Work
Help for people with a learning disability, mental health problem, sensory impairment or a range of different disabilities seeking or wishing to maintain employment in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Job Centre Plus
Find your local Job Centre Plus.
Play Talk Read
Playing, Talking and Reading with your child can give them a great start in life. The website has lots of play ideas for you and your wee one. You can also meet new friends, get free stuff, win baby goodies, share photos and videos and find out about free events in your area. Have even more fun from day one with Play Talk Read!