FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Employment Support
Whether you have a disability and are already in work or have become disabled and wish to return to work, the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your nearest jobcentre should be able to help. They support disabled people in finding and keeping a job. DEAs are the main route to getting practical and financial assistance from the Access to Work scheme. They also advise on the Job Introduction Scheme, Workstep, New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) and other employment initiatives. In Surrey, the NDDP is run by Surrey Supported Employment & EmployAbility for people with learning disabilities and people with mental health issues.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 disabled people are protected from the very outset of the recruitment process right through to employment. Employers must make sure any special requirements a disabled person has are met from the application stage onward. ACAS and Community Legal Service have more information on rights at work.
Employers displaying the Positive About Disabled People two tick disability symbol are committed to employing and developing the abilities of disabled staff. The decision about whether or not to tell prospective employers about your disability can be a hard one to make, but is an individual choice.
You may be entitled to a Job Grant when moving into work or have the opportunity to try out a job under the Employment on Trial scheme.
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit can continue to be paid for four weeks if you start work and were previously claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support. Working Tax Credit may be claimed if you are in a low paid job & working over 16 hours per week.
Employment under the permitted work scheme may be possible while claiming benefits based on incapacity for work. However, it may be taken into consideration when deciding if you pass the Personal Capability Assessment or own occupation test for Incapacity Benefit (IB). Any type of work can affect payment of Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Income Support & NI incapacity credits, so getting good advice is essential.
Generally, Disability Living Allowance can still be paid if you are employed as long as care and mobility needs remain the same.
Finding a job
Job opportunities can be found on many websites like Worktrain and through voluntary organisations such as Leonard Cheshire’s Workability scheme which offers support in finding work & on becoming self-employed. Remploy have a specialist recruitment service for disabled people.
The Princes Trust help young people up to age 30 to move into work, training or education and assist with loans & business advice for people wishing to start their own businesses. Young disabled people can get careers advice and employment information from Connexions up to age 25.
There are many supported employment schemes around Surrey for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, sensory impairments and physical disabilities. Most offer training and work experience to help progress into paid employment. SID, 0800 0439395, has more information on where they can be found. In Surrey RBLI support disabled people in finding and staying in work.
Action for Carers Surrey has information on working if you are a carer or have been one. Carers claiming Carer's Allowance (CA) can work as long as they continue to meet the conditions of the benefit.
Working as a volunteer
For people wishing to do voluntary work there are numerous volunteering opportunities available on www.do-it.org.uk. Many areas also have volunteer bureaux which can match an individual with a suitable voluntary position. Newsletters and magazines put out by voluntary organisations often appeal for volunteers.
Benefits will usually remain unaffected, but there are some restrictions, so check before starting any voluntary work. Working as a volunteer can be a satisfying end in itself or lead to paid employment in some circumstances.
+ Additional Information: Employment at Direct.gov
More information on living with a disability in Surrey can be found at www.askenid.org.uk and in the leaflet Information for You available from SID (Social Information on Disability), 0800 0439395.