Work support schemes

Jobcentre Plus (JobCentres/Jobs and Benefits offices in Northern Ireland) can help, whatever your situation. Disability employment advisers (disablement employment advisers in Northern Ireland) can help to identify your skills and assess how arthritis might affect your work. They can also tell you about schemes and benefits that may help you into employment or training.

There are many benefits and schemes to help you at work. Contact your local Jobcentre or equivalent for more information on the support available to you.

Work Trial enables you to try out a job for up to 15 days. You still receive benefits while you’re on the trial, so it’s a risk-free way of finding out if a job is right for you.

Job Introduction Scheme enables you to try out a job by providing financial support to your employer. It can apply to full-time or part-time jobs lasting at least 26 weeks. You must apply for it before you start work.

Access to Work is aimed at disabled people who are in work or entering work. The scheme works with employers and employees to arrange adjustments to support disabled people in work. This might include support workers, adaptations to premises or equipment or help with travel to work. Employers usually meet these costs and are reimbursed by the scheme.

Working Tax Credit is a means-tested payment for people in low-paid work. Contact HM Revenue and Customs for more information. If you are on a low income and paying council tax you can claim Council Tax Benefit. Contact your local council for more information. When you first start work, you may also be eligible for job grants or overlap benefits to help you make the transition to work.

Self-employment

Over 3 million people in the UK, of all ages and from every walk of life, are self-employed. There is a lot of information, advice and practical support available. Business Link in England, Business Gateway in Scotland, and Business Eye in Wales can provide the information, advice and support you need to start, maintain and develop your business. Invest NI offers similar support in Northern Ireland.

If you are aged 18 to 30 and unemployed, The Prince’s Trust could help you start a business. Prime England and Scotland, and Wales can support people aged 50 and over to set up in business. You should contact HM Revenue and Customs before going into business so you can understand your obligations.