HI Everyone, long time since I posted! been busy with everyday stuff and had no laptop,well thats the excuses out the way!!
just was having a dilema as to what sort of job I could do? as come the end of July I may not have my job no longer!

I work in a primary school as a special needs T.A (for 6 years now) but the child Iv been with is leaving to got to high school this year, and as my job was only avalible while the child was at the school, and we have no other children as yet that need one to one, then Im having to think about what else I can do?

I only do mornings as of when I got R.A 2 years ago, but this is all I can really manage, so looking for something part time, Iv just enrolled on a swim teachers course at the local pool as I have been teaching with the school once a week, so hoping this maybe something to keep me going but the pool are not looking to employ any swim teachers at the moment, my concern is that if im going for a job and someone else who is more mobile is too then I dont stand much chance ! so its such a pressure to be well and convince them that im up for the job!!!

Has anyone got any tips for getting employed with a disability? I know that they are not suppose to discriminate but how can you tell?? Im off work at moment with throat infection which has caused a flare!!!!

Im still hoping that my head teacher will find something for me but he is under no obligation and since getting R.A thinking that its less likely!!!

Corinne xx

Hi Rich, Thanks for quick reply, it did state in contract that job only while child attends the school as she had funding and the LEA were paying my wages with the school topping up few extra hours(which they have'nt had to do since I became part time)

I will check out direct gov now, I was interesting when reading lorraines post that you mentioned getting tax credits via disability! didnt know you could do this? that would help me in about 3 years when my daughter leaves full time education as I get tax credits at moment due to her but was worring that they would stop when she left school, they enable me to work part time without them we would struggle unless I worked more hours(which is difficult) will look into this a bit more.

Thanks again Corinne x

Hi Corrnne ,

You could in fact be eligible for the disability element of tax credits now .. if you currently work over 16 hours
You have to fit 3 conditions ...

First is working over 16 hrs

Second .. is a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job ( see condition 2 in the attached link below.. but if you cant do a 8 hour day or a five day week then this is satisfied .. look at the other prescribed disabilities aswell.

Third .. you receive a qualifying benefit ... (which DLA is!)

It might be possible to backdate the award but you would need to see face to face advice on this ...

Disability Element of tax Credits

I would recommend you telephone them now on 0845 300 3900 and query whether the disability element is already in place and if not whether you qualify.
If you get the disability element this MIght also give you extra help with Council tax and/ or Housing Benefit dependant on your joint income if you have a partner.

We did a survey recently about this and the advisers on the line get this wrong part of the time , so if they say no .. again get advice .

It appears you fit the criteria .. however any payment depends on family income :)
Remember .. any change of circumstances (including losing your job) needs to be reported immediately to HMRC.

It is also possible you will be eligible to claim ESA (if you have no job) .. and with ESA it is possible to do something called Permitted work ( under 16 hrs and earn under £95 and still receive all your benefits)
Again face to face advice would be good to enable you to find the right option for you .Permitted work

Rich :)