New Deal for Disabled People

New Deal for Disabled People is a programme of advice and practical support, which helps people move from disability and health-related benefits into paid employment.

How the programme works

The programme is delivered through a network of 'Job Brokers' from a range of organisations. Each Job Broker offers different services, which can be tailored to your individual needs.

Your Job Broker will talk with you about your situation and the sort of work you want. They will help you decide on the best route into employment for you and work with you to achieve your goals.

Where the programme is available

New Deal for Disabled People is not available everywhere. It is available in the following areas:

• Ayrshire, Dumfries, Galloway and Inverclyde
• Cumbria
• Derbyshire
• Dorset and Somerset
• Essex
• Glasgow
• Greater Manchester Central
• Greater Mersey
• Highlands, Islands, Cyde Coast and Grampian
• Lanarkshire
• Lancashire
• Liverpool and Wirral
• Northumbria
• South Tyne and Wear
• South Wales Valleys
• South West Wales
• South Yorkshire
• Staffordshire
• Tees Valley

In all other areas of Britain, similar help and advice is provided by Pathways to Work providers.

Pathways to Work

Who is eligible

You can join the programme if you receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Incapacity Benefit
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Income Support including a disability premium
• Income Support because your Incapacity Benefit has been stopped and you are appealing against the decision
• National Insurance credits because of incapacity
• Disability Living Allowance, provided that you do not get Jobseeker's Allowance and are not in paid work for 16 hours or more a week
• Housing Benefit with a disability premium, provided that you do not get Jobseeker's Allowance and are not in paid work for 16 hours or more a week
• Council Tax Benefit, provided that you do not get Jobseeker's Allowance and are not in paid work for 16 hours or more a week
• War Pension with an Unemployability Supplement
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit with an Unemployability Supplement
• a benefit equivalent to Incapacity Benefit from an European Union (EU) member country

For more information, please contact your local Jobcentre.

Find your local Jobcentre Plus office

How Job Brokers can help

New Deal for Disabled People Job Brokers can offer you a wide range of support, including:

• helping you to look at your skills and abilities and identify suitable job opportunities
• advice about writing CVs
• helping you through the process of applying for jobs, including help with filling in application forms
• help with preparing for interviews
• identifying any training needs you may have and then working with local training providers to get the training you need information about local job vacancies
• supporting you during your first six months in work

They also work closely with local employers to help make sure things go well for you at work. They can arrange extra support in the workplace - like special equipment, for example - if you need it.

Some Job Brokers may be able to help you with travel costs to interviews or even pay for some of your costs while you are looking for work. They will also advise you about help like the travel-to-interview scheme.

Travel-to-interview scheme, Job Grant and In Work Credit (Directgov website)

How to find a Job Broker

You can only register with one Job Broker at a time so you may want to talk to each one in your area about what they can offer before you choose one.

When you have chosen a Job Broker, ask to register with them. They will ask you for brief information about yourself and will arrange an appointment with you to begin helping you to find a job.

Job Broker search website

Changing your Job Broker or leaving the programme

Most people on New Deal for Disabled People get on well with their Job Broker. However, if you have any problems, you can choose a different Job Broker.

If your circumstances change or you decide that New Deal is not for you, you can leave the programme without losing the benefits you are entitled to.