18 year old son and benefits?

Toto

Hi everyone.

My 18 year old son has a learning disability (fragile x syndrome and mild autism) he is high functioning for a boy but even so he is still affected to the point where finding a job will be difficult, but not so bad that he needs input from social services (ie adult day centre).

He has been at college doing a carpentry course, he is good with his hands and has done ok. His course finishes next week.

I would love for him to continue in this field, maybe get an apprentiship or something with further training. The problem is, realistically, he isn't likely to be an employers first choice because of his problems, especially with the current state of the construction industry.

Last summer we tried and tried to get him a job, anything, just to give him an understanding of the big wide world of work and to instill a work ethic. Also, we felt that his confidence would grow if he found he could earn his own money and do a job well. Anyway, he didn't manage to work, he didn't even get to interview despite many applications.

I am really worried about starting him on the benefits path. he has absolutely no drive or confidence to get a job as it is. He doesn't think he can do it and that shows. My worry is, if he starts to claim that will be him for life.

However he is an adult now and it isn't my place to stop him claiming really. He wouldn't care about having no money for months on end, as long as he is fed and has a roof over his head, he's not bothered.

Obviously we will do everything we can to get him in employment, but what benefits could he be entitled to? Is there anthing where courses are offered in getting into work? I remember my brother doing something at the job centre years ago when he claimed IS for a short period.

My boy needs help to get a job but we really don't know where to go. Connexions don't really help to be honest, I think because he doesn't fit into the very disabled catagory nor the totally able to get a job catagory, so when it comes down to it, there will always be people far more able for an employer to choose first.

Sorry if I've waffled on a bit, but I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Oldernotwiser

Would he want to look at continuing at the college with another carpentry course? If he's done well at Level 2, it could be worth his while continuing to level 3. When is he 19?

Toto

He's 19 in November. He did ask about the level 3 course but that one is run in the evenings from September, I suspect as a part time course. I am going to connextions with him on monday to see what his options are. There isn't anything running between now and September though, so I would like him to use this time to work towards getting a job. I am wondering if I should help him sort out some benefits, if all else fails and then try to get him into some sort of voluntary work to help build his confidence a bit.

I just really don't want him to go onto benefits with no help into work. As i've said he has no drive and would be perfectly happy with the money for nothing.

poet123

In an area I know well from family connections,they have places which are specifically for disabled people( in numerous, various, ways from being blind to autism)which are set up as industries run and funded by the local council.

They make gates,windows,street furniture,park benches etc,and make a valuable contribution to the area and to the lives of their employees. I think it evolved from the old Remploy set up. I could PM you the name of the place and they could maybe see if there is anything local to you which is similar.

Toto

That sounds great poet, please do give me the details

tom9980

Look into volunteer work with charities they are more likely to possibly want to employ and help people like your son, a local charity i know actually employed someone who at first was there to work just to break up his routine but he was able bodied enough for them to actually employ him when they realised he was capable of doing the job they required.

I suggest you may consider calling the local jobcentre and ask for an appointment to see the Disability Employment Advisor with regards to your son, normally they are only too happy to help out.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/LookingForWork/DG_4000324

Oldernotwiser

Connexions may well be able to get him on an E2E (Entry to Employment)course to carry him through until the college starts again in September. This could be just the thing for someone in your son's position.

"Entry to Employment (e2e)

If you are aged 16 - 18 years, you live in England and are not participating in any form of post-16 learning, you can be admitted to e2e if that is an appropriate option which will enable you to progress to an apprenticeship, further learning or a job.

You will be expected to undertake learning in three interdependent core areas: basic and key skills, vocational development, and personal and social development.
Although e2e is not time-bound, it is based on the needs of each individual. You may need relatively short periods of time to prepare for entry to an Apprenticeship, employment, or further vocational learning opportunities. If you have more complex personal and social needs you may require much longer periods before you are ready to enter and sustain suitable training and employment.
Attendance should normally be 30 hours a week, for a minimum of 10 weeks. Learners may start by attending for 16 hours a week, but must build this up to 30 hours as soon as possible.
Attendance will vary from 16 hours up to 40 hours a week but this will depend on your learning capacity, aspirations, needs and progression choices."

I would then encourage him to do his level 3; if he has disadvantages in entering the workforce he needs the highest level qualification he can get. He could combine this with unpaid work experience (if he can't get paid work)
which he'll need anyway to get his full NVQ.

Toto

Tom thanks so much for that, that's just what I am looking for.

Toto

Thanks older, i read about that this morning. I am going to connexions with him on Monday so I will ask about this course.

poet123

http://www.remploy.co.uk/
This is the national umbrella website for disabled employment. I will try to find the website of the specific employer up in the north of england who is a leader in this field.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello Toto!

I would also recommend the E2e scheme.
My son went on it when he was 15, and not legally old enough to leave school. It was just a stop gap until he got to school leaving age, and could apply to college.
It gave him the confidence that he had lost, and the small groups provided a positive environment. The students are treated like adults, so it will be like he is used to.

I would also suggest he looks at another course, that fits in with his carpentry.
The construction trade is flat at the moment, but brickwork and plastering will pick up again, and if he likes using his hands, they might suit him, and are trades that work together nicely.
You could also speak to local builder's and see if he can get some site experience. It may have to be unpaid work, but could at some point, lead to other things.

Come December, I will be in the same position, when my son finishes his second year, there's not a 3rd year available, so as he has trained as a plasterer, I'm hoping he may do brickwork, fingers crossed,

Go to connexions, they can negotiate the E2e place for your son,

Good luck,

Munchie