Returning to Work

terrierlady

my sister is hoping to return to work after being off for nearly 3 years on I/Benefit.
She is worried that starting a job she may not be able to do it as she has a bad back due to a fall and finds it difficult to do many things but is trying to get her life back on track, is there a scheme where she can try the work first without losing her benefit?

mummymania

I was off work and on income support as a single parent for 3 yrs and returned to work 12 months ago working 18 hrs - and with tax credits I am much better off. Have a look at https://www.entitledto.co.uk for some help with what benefits she would get whilst working. If she is in DLA (disability living allowance) there is a return to work scheme where you can do 'permitted work' for a while to see if you're ok/can manage. Best thing to do is have a look at the jobcentre (DWP) website or give them a ring.

healy

mummymania wrote:

I was off work and on income support as a single parent for 3 yrs and returned to work 12 months ago working 18 hrs - and with tax credits I am much better off. Have a look at https://www.entitledto.co.uk for some help with what benefits she would get whilst working. If she is in DLA (disability living allowance) there is a return to work scheme where you can do 'permitted work' for a while to see if you're ok/can manage. Best thing to do is have a look at the jobcentre (DWP) website or give them a ring.

Permitted work is for Incapacity Benefit claimants.

Fran

She can do "Permitted Work" while on Incapacity Benefit, see Direct.gov website.

mummymania

Some Income Support claimants are on what is called Incapacity Based Income Support - I work with such clients!! You can work without losing your benefits, but the advantage isn't financial because if you earn more than your benefit, you lose the benefit. The advantage is trying the job before committing yourself. This scheme helped me personally, however none of my clients like the idea !!

hjb123

Hi,

There are incentives for when people on Incapacity Benefit go back to work - think one of them is £40 per week. There are also incentives for the employers too.

Your sister might be as well popping to her local Citizens Advice Bureau who may be able to advise her or even ringing the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 882200.

Also if your sister does go back to work but finds that it was a mistake and that she isnt well enough then she should be able to go back onto Incapacity Benefit at the same rate she is on - there is more about it at the jobcentre incapacity page