Helping you into work if you have a disability or health condition, or you are a carer

Whether you have a disability or health condition, or you are a carer, this section tells you more about the opportunities available and how to make the most of them.

Support is available if you want to return to work, stay in your current job, or find paid work for the first time. At Jobcentre Plus, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

In some cases, this will mean looking at what is preventing you from working. If you are thinking about working in the future, but are not ready yet, we can also help you move in the right direction.

Many of the programmes and services described in this section are open to carers and others, but some are specific to disabled people and those with health conditions.

Whether you have a disability or health condition, or you are a carer, this section tells you more about the opportunities available and how to make the most of them.

Your work options

If a full-time job is not suitable for you, there are other options available. Here are some examples.

• Part-time work: this is a good way to fit work around your other responsibilities or commitments. If your part-time work is less than 16 hours a week, you may still be able to get Income Support, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Carer’s Allowance.
• Job-sharing: sometimes 2 people can share a full-time job. Look out for jobs advertised as job share. If you want to share a job with someone you know, you could always suggest the idea to your employer.
• Flexible working: employers sometimes agree to flexible working arrangements. This might mean choosing your start and finish times or working longer hours on some days or at some times of the year so you can take more time off on the other days or at other times of the year.
• Self-employment: working for yourself offers flexibility and the right type of challenge for some people, but you will take on extra responsibility (for example, paying your own income tax).
• Voluntary work: working without pay is one way to get work experience and find out more about an area that interests you. It’s good for your CV (curriculum vitae) too.
• Agency work: you could work in a job for a set length of time (usually for the length of a project or to fill in for a permanent member of staff).
• Term-time working: being off during the school holidays could be ideal if you have children and they are at school.
• Holiday working: a practical option if you’re studying at college during term time.

If you are on Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, you might be able to do certain work, known as ‘permitted work’, without affecting your payments. This could help you move into work of 16 hours or more a week.

There are strict rules on what work is permitted. You will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office for information and permission to do the work. You can do permitted work if you are getting Income Support because you are ill, but it will affect the amount you get.

Disability Employment Advisers
Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs), usually based in Jobcentre Plus offices or Jobcentres, can provide specialist support on employment issues.

If you are already in work
DEAs can discuss your current work situation with you. If you think you might lose your job for a reason associated with your disability or health condition, they can give you and your employer advice, and explore practical ways to help you keep your job.

If you are looking for work
DEAs can work with you to plan the best way for you to return to work and help you find a job that is suitable. At Jobcentre Plus, we have strong connections with many employers who make every effort to meet the needs of disabled people who are looking for work.

You and your DEA can draw up an action plan to help you into work or keep your existing job. Your DEA can do the following.

• Give you an employment assessment which helps identify your abilities and strengths, and how your disability or health condition affects the type of work you want to do. As part of the assessment, you will get an action plan to help you achieve your goals. Having an employment assessment will not affect your benefits.
• Provide a job matching and referral service, to let you know about jobs that match your experience and skills. If you feel it’s appropriate, the adviser may be able to approach the employer for you.
• Provide New Deal for Disabled People, a support programme run by employment specialists.
• Refer you to a specialist programme for disabled people. Specialist programmes include the Job Introduction Scheme and WorkPathProgrammes.
• Explain how the Disability Discrimination Act could protect you in work, and how you can find out more.
• Provide details of local disability organisations. You can ask your DEA about local and national organisations for disabled people. The ‘Useful contacts’ section may also be useful.

For more information about Disability Employment Advisers, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

New Deal for Disabled People
New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is a voluntary programme for people who are claiming a benefit relating to their disability or health condition. NDDP offers support from a network of employment specialists who can:

• give you advice on how to get a job
• help to match your skills and abilities to what employers need, and
• support you when you start a job.

Support services include:

• helping you to fill in application forms and write your CV
• supporting you as you prepare for interviews, and
• providing advice on local job vacancies.

If you want to find out more about NDDP or see an NDDP adviser, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre, visit www.jobbrokersearch.gov.uk, or phone the NDDP helpline on 0800 137 177 (textphone: 0800 435 550).

New Deal has similar specialist programmes for lone parents, partners, young people and those over the age of 50.

Go to our Customer page or phone 0845 606 2626 (textphone: 0845 606 0680) for more information.

Helping you find and keep a job

Looking for a job
If you are looking for work, a Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Adviser might be able to help you find something that is suitable. There are also other places you can look for job vacancies.

• Online: go to our Search for a job page for details of vacancies. Even if you’re not looking for a job straight away, you could take a look at opportunities like work programmes or training.
• On the phone: contact Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060 234 (textphone: 0845 6055 255) to keep in touch with the latest job vacancies. A Welsh-language service is also available (see ‘Useful contacts’ for more numbers and opening hours).
• Touch screens: when visiting your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre, why not try out a Jobpoint touch screen? Search through job vacancies, print off the ones you’re interested in, and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Applying for a job

CVs, applications and interviews
There are lots of books offering practical advice on writing your CV, filling in application forms and performing well in interviews. As well as bookshops, you might find useful information in your local library. The following websites also give useful tips.

• Jobs and Skills - a different way to search for jobs, training and careers
• Careers Scotland (www.careersscotland.org.uk)
• Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com).

Programme Centres
Programme Centres can provide free help with job applications, along with practical advice on searching for jobs, looking at what is preventing you from getting and keeping a job, and going back to work. Programme Centres provide stamps, stationery, newspapers and access to the Internet. Many offer programme modules to develop your interview skills, phone techniques, and experience in researching, applying for and getting a job.

To find out whether there is a centre near you and if you can use its services, call your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

The Disability Symbol
Look out for employers using the Disability Symbol. If an employer uses this symbol, it means they are positive about employing disabled people and will be keen to know about your abilities.

Employers who use the symbol have made commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled staff.

Making sure it’s the right job
There are a number of programmes that could help you to make sure a job you’re going for is the right one for you. For more information, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office.

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Work Trial
Work Trial is a programme that gives you the chance to try out a job with an employer for up to 15 days. You’ll carry on getting your benefits while you’re on the trial, so it’s a risk-free way of finding out if a job is right for you. If the employer offers you a job at the end of your Work Trial and you accept it, this does not mean that all financial help will end. You may still be able to get some benefits and tax credits.

More information on Work Trials, or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

Job Introduction Scheme
If you find a job you would like but you or the employer are not sure whether it would be suitable, the Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) might be able to help. The scheme offers an employer help towards your wages or other employment costs for the first few weeks (the JIS period) until you are both sure the job is right for you.

The scheme can apply to any full-time or part-time job lasting at least 26 weeks. Ideally, at the end of the JIS period, you and your employer will both be reassured and you will keep the job, which you can do with confidence.

Programmes to help you achieve your potential
WorkPathProgrammes are designed to help disabled people who want to find jobs or stay in work. The three WorkPathProgrammes are Access to Work, Work Preparation and WORKSTEP. They offer practical support to tackle specific areas where you or your employer may need help, and so help you to get the most out of your job.

Access to Work
This programme provides advice and practical support to help you and your employer overcome anything relating to a disability that is preventing you from working. It can help if you are already in work or just starting a new job.

What the programme can offer you depends on your personal circumstances, so it is a good idea to speak to your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

Work Preparation
The Work Preparation programme can help if you’ve been out of work for a long time due to a disability or illness. It is tailored to your needs and to help you overcome any difficulties you might face when you return to work. Work Preparation helps to build up your confidence and find out what skills you have. It also helps you find out what kind of work you are suited to and lets you find out if you are ready for a working environment.

WORKSTEP
If there are significant obstacles to you working, WORKSTEP can help you to settle into an organisation. The WORKSTEP provider helps you find a job, introduces you to your manager and colleagues, and stays in touch to check that everything is going smoothly.

You, the WORKSTEP provider and your manager agree a development plan that will help you to do your job well and develop in it.

For more about WorkPathProgrammes, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office. Contact Jobcentre Plus here and in your local phone book.

Self-employment
If you are thinking about setting up your own business, Learning and Skills Councils (LSCs) in England and Wales, and Local Enterprise Companies (LECs) in Scotland offer a wide range of information, advice and training.

You can find the details of your nearest LSC or LEC in the Yellow Pages under ‘Business Enterprise Agencies’.

In England, Business Link is also a good source of help for small businesses. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk or call 0845 600 9006. Business Eye in Wales and Business Gateway in Scotland offer similar services (see ‘Useful contacts’ for contact details).

Some self-employed people can get support from New Deal. For more details, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

• you might need to improve basic skills in reading, writing, or maths, or if English is not your first language (see 'Basic Skills Training'), or
• you might want to update or adapt your existing skills, or a vocational qualification such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) could be a good option for you.

Speaking to a personal adviser
A Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) should be able to help you find the training that will be right for you. DEAs are in contact with local colleges and training schemes, so they can tell you what is available and help you apply.

For more information, go to Helping you into work. You can also find out more about training opportunities here or on Jobs and Skills - a different way to search for jobs, training and careers. learndirect also provides details on around one million courses, including information on funding and planning a career (see 'Learn new skills online').

Contacting learning and training providers
Your local council offers a range of part-time courses and evening classes for adults.
These courses are often available free to people on benefits. You can find contact details for your local council at Directgov A-Z list of councils or in your local phone book.

You could also check out your local college or university, as they will also offer a wide range of courses, including NVQs (SVQs in Scotland) and degree-level courses.

To find out about learning and training opportunities for disabled people, phone SKILL: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities on 0800 328 5050 (minicom: 0800 328 5050), or visit www.skill.org.uk.

Learn new skills online
learndirect offers high-quality learning at a time and place that suit you. You choose what and when to learn, and you can work at your own pace.

There are more than 1,500 learndirect centres across England and Wales to help you get started – no matter when and where you decide to learn. Find out more at www.learndirect.co.uk , or call 0800 100 900 (minicom: 0800 056 8865) for advice on thousands of courses from hundreds of providers nationwide. In Scotland, visit www.learndirectscotland.com , call 0808 100 9000, or send an email to info@learndirectscotland.com.

Basic skills training
Basic skills training can help you if you need to improve your reading, writing or maths, or if English is not your first language. The training will give you the chance to gain a national qualification and so improve your chance of finding a job. It could also improve many other aspects of your day-to-day life.

While you are taking part in the training you can receive an extra £10 a week on top of your benefit. Other bonuses may be available if you get a national qualification.

To find out more, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

If you prefer to contact a local college direct, see 'Contacting learning and training providers'.

Residential training for disabled people
Most disabled people find they can use the facilities and support offered by local training organisations. However, if you cannot train in your local area, you might be able to attend a residential training college, where training may lead to employment, vocational qualifications or further education.

Personalised training will involve:

• guidance
• learning in the workplace
• work experience, and
• may lead to approved qualifications.

You also get support from specialist staff, and the training takes place in buildings that are designed to meet the needs of disabled people.

There is a wide range of courses available through residential training. To find out more, contact your Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

Getting help to pay for training
Go to Training for the future for help you can get to pay for course fees, travel or any other costs you may have to pay. If you’re worried that you may be financially worse off if you do a training course, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre.

Joining a training programme will probably affect the benefits you get. However, you might find it gives you the right to other financial help.

If you have already joined New Deal and you start an approved training course or programme, you may qualify for a training premium payment (money that is paid on top of your benefit). More details can be found on our Training for the future page.

Career development loans
If you find a training course you want to do and you want to increase your options of how to pay for it, a career development loan could be an option.

• In England: you can find out more at www.lifelonglearning.co.uk or get an application form by calling the Career Development Loan Helpline on 0800 585 505.
• In Scotland: visit www.scotland.gov.uk/Home for information on Individual Learning Accounts. ILA Scotland helps pay for a wide range of learning programmes with a variety of learning providers. For more details visit www.ilascotland.org.uk, call 0808 100 1090 or send an email to enquiries@ilascotland.org.uk
• In Wales: Individual Learning Accounts are also available in Wales. For more information, visit www.ilawales.com or call learndirect on 0800 100 900 (minicom: 0800 056 8865).

Financial help when you’re working

You might find that when you start work, you give up some financial help. However, you might be entitled to other support. This will depend on the benefit you get and the amount of work you do.

Disability Living Allowance can be paid to people who are in work as well as to people who are not in work. However, it is important that you tell the Disability and Carers Service if your need for personal care or your walking difficulties reduce.

You should also tell the Disability and Carers Service if your need for personal care increases (for example, to help you in the workplace). If you already receive Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, you can report a change in your circumstances by contacting the Disability Benefits Unit on 08457 123 456 (textphone: 08457 224 433).

In some circumstances, carers can work without losing their benefit, but you should get advice from your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office.

Or you could call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 01253 85 61 23 (textphone: 01772 899489).

Check ‘If you have extra costs related to a severe disability’ for more information on Disability Living Allowance. More information about Carer’s Allowance can be found here.

Keeping more of your earnings
Once you’re in work, Working Tax Credit could help you keep more of your earnings. Working Tax Credit is for people who are on low incomes. You could get an extra amount if any member of your family is disabled. If you are self-employed or over 50 years old, you might also be able to get Working Tax Credit if you are returning to work after being unemployed for a long time.

Child Tax Credit is a payment to support families with children. It is paid along with Child Benefit. You do not need to be working to claim. To find out more about tax credits, call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 (textphone: 0845 300 3909) or visit the HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits

Rapid reclaim
If for some reason your job doesn’t work out and you need to claim benefits again, Rapid Reclaim makes it easier for you to do so. You can use Rapid Reclaim to claim benefit again within 12 weeks of a previous claim ending. This means you can have more confidence starting a job which you are not sure will last. Speak to your local office for more information.

Looking ahead and planning for the future

Planning for your retirement may not be a priority for you at the moment. But, as you get older you will have a number of options that will directly affect your finances. So starting to plan now may make a big difference in the future and help to give you the income you want when you retire.

The State Pension
The State Pension is made up of two parts – the basic State Pension and additional State Pension (which is also known as the State Second Pension). The State Second Pension is based on your earnings and is paid on top of any basic State Pension you may get. It is designed to help people with low or moderate earnings build up extra pension income.

You can also build up entitlement to the State Second Pension during periods when you cannot work. For each complete tax year that you get Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance you will be treated as if you had earnings at the lower earnings limit (the level at which you start paying National Insurance contributions (£12,100 in 2005/2006).

Your carer may also be able to build up entitlement to the State Second Pension in a similar way if they get Carer’s Allowance or qualify for Home Responsibilities Protection.

The State Pension age is currently 65 for men and between 60 and 65 for women, depending on your date of birth. But from 6 April 2020 the State Pension age for both men and women will be 65.

You can continue to work after State Pension age. People often assume that State Pension age is the age when you have to retire, but you can carry on working past State Pension age and still take your State Pension. Or you can put off claiming it (whether you are working or not) and take either a higher weekly State Pension or a one-off lump sum (which is taxed) plus your normal weekly State Pension when you do finally decide to claim.

You will not have this choice if you are getting certain other benefits, including Carer’s Allowance, while you are putting off claiming your State Pension.

The amount of State Pension you will receive depends on how many years you have paid, been treated as having paid, or been credited with National Insurance contributions.

You may also receive a National Insurance credit for each week you receive certain benefits, including Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Carer’s Allowance.

This does not apply to married women who have elected to pay reduced rate contributions.

Finding out how much State Pension you’ll be entitled to is a good way to start your financial planning. You can get a State Pension forecast by phoning the State Pension Forecasting Team on 0845 3000 168 (textphone: 0845 3000 169), or you can download a pension forecast application form from the internet at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Home Responsibilities Protection
If you are a carer or parent, the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) scheme may be able to protect your basic State Pension. It does this by reducing the number of years you need to pay National Insurance contributions for. You may be entitled to HRP if you cannot work or you are on a low income, and you are also:

• caring for a child under 16
• caring for a severely disabled person, or
• a registered foster carer.

You should claim HRP unless you receive Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance or Income Support (and do not need to register for work because you are caring for a disabled person or person with a health condition).

The HRP scheme may also be able to help you build up some State Second Pension. For more on HRP see the ‘Useful contacts’ section.

Adding to your State Pension
If you are starting work, ask your employer if they have a pension scheme and whether or not you can join it. This can be a good way of providing extra income for your retirement.

If your employer does not provide a pension scheme, or it is not in your best interests to join it, other options to think about are stakeholder pensions or personal pensions. You can have a stakeholder pension or personal pension even if you are not working at the moment.

For more detailed information about pensions, visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk or call The Pension Service on 0845 60 60 265 (textphone: 0845 60 60 285).

What to do next

To make sure you know about all the support available to you, read ‘Financial and practical support if you have a disability or health condition’ or ‘Financial and practical support if you’re a carer’.

Jobcentre Plus
For more information on how we can help, explore this site or contact your local Jobcentre Plus office, Jobcentre or social security office.

Contact Jobcentre Plus

Remember, a Disability Employment Adviser may be able to give you advice on your specific circumstances. For more about New Deal for Disabled People, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre, or call 0800 137 177 (textphone: 0800 435 550).

The Pension Service
Contact The Pension Service for more on the State Pension, Pension Credit and other benefits, including what you can expect when you retire. Phone 0845 60 60 265
(textphone: 0845 60 60 285), visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk or see the ‘Useful contacts’ section for more details.

Training and career advice (online)
Visit Jobs and Skills - a different way to search for jobs, training and careers, or see the ‘Useful contacts’ section.

Contacting your local council
Find the contact details of your council at Directgov A-Z list of councils or in your local phone book.

Disability and Carers Service
For information on the benefits available to disabled people and carers, phone the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 (textphone: 0800 24 33 55). For more contact details, see the ‘Useful contacts’ section.