help- soon no benefits!7 months pregnant too

Hi enimod

I'm not sure what the Job Centre has said about yr income support/incap but the DLA won't necessarily be affected by a doctor declaring yr partner fit to work. Have you been told that yr DLA is being stopped or reduced officially? DLA is designed to pay for help yr partner might need or actually receives as a result of his condition, and isn't paid dependent on whether someone is fit for work or not, although this can be a factor in certain circumstances.

He may be eligible for income-based Job Seeker's Allowance- you need to get moving on this asap through yr local job Centre Plus.

I work for a charity that supports people with learning disabilities to find paid employment - we are financed by Job Centre Plus and the European Social Fund. We often work with or refer people onto other organisations that support people with mental health issues to find work, and they also provide support with benefits. I would advise that yr partner makes an appointment asap with the Disability Employment Advisor (or 'DEA') at yr local Job Centre Plus (there can be quite a waiting list sometimes.) They will have details of the organisations which operate locally which may be able to support yr partner into work. Some offer back-to-work bonuses as well (but not all, though worth checking out.) It is quite an attractive prospect if you think about it - you get a 'key support worker' type person, who does all the legwork for him, checks his qualifications, if there is anything else he needs to study, has contacts with employers in the area, helps with applications and enquiries about vacancies, can go with him to interviews and offer support and help during the interview, particularly as to what employers can and can't ask, and can help to offer explanations as to how practically his schizophrenia may impact on his work and how he may overcome this. They also can offer support in work, if any issues arise as a result.

Is he after any particular type of work? There are employers out there who are substantially more 'equal opps' than others claim to be. Again this is something you can get guidance on.

HTH, if you want any advice do pm me and I can point you in the right direction.

Shaw Trust very good in this area, definitely worth checking out.