To ask what help are you entitled to as a Big Issue seller?

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Posting for traffic.

Does anyone know if sellers are entitled to JSA, Healthy Start baby vouchers etc? I'd like to help a young seller in my town who has a baby. She is foreign so I am not sure if she is receiving what she is entitled to.

Many thanks

It's a job like any other, so it will depend entirely on what they are earning and their other circumstances. You need to talk to the seller and see what help she actually needs. E.g. if her English is poor, it would be kind to offer if she needs help reading/filling in forms or whatever.

She would be getting advice and guidance on benefits advice from the office she collects her big issues from. Have a quick check on the Big Issue website to reassure yourself.

Thank you very muxh.

I speak her language fluently so the next time I see her I will try to get more info. She told me she is really struggling and she is just 18 with a baby so keen to help

The big issue will give her advice, its part of their role

Big Issue sellers often class themselves as self employed and can access tax credits I think but not other benefits. But... the system is really complex and the Big Issue doesn’t provide advice. A way to help is to give her information on places that offer benefits checks - like the citizens advice, local council if they have advice services. They should also be able to offer an interpreter at the appointment if she has no one who can go along with her. They can check what she is entitled to (if anything) and help with applications, particularly if language, access to a computer or a phone is difficult. They can also signpost to other groups and organizations who can provide practical support (from clothing/basic furniture to food and free activities and groups for families). Linking someone up with this kind of advice can be really helpful - never assume that someone knows this kind of support exists or has already been offered help.

The Big Issue and The Big Issue Foundation will be able to help any seller. They have outreach workers to check on sellers as well as having support workers to sign post sellers to relevant services.

Next time she goes to the office to buy the magazine she should be able to have a chat to someone there for advice.

If she's concerned about the language barrier you could always offer to go with her to help?