Work options

When you are thinking about what work would suit you, these are your your options to choose from:

Voluntary work
 Voluntary work may lead to improved chances of getting a part-time or full-time job. You are allowed to do voluntary work while claiming income support and incapacity benefit. Usually you will have your expenses paid for. For some people voluntary work is a suitable alternative to work because you are able to keep your benefits.

Employment projects
The work done by employment projects varies but is usually done in a sheltered workshop and will usually be largely people with mental health problems. Some projects are very basic e.g. doing a simple task such as stitching mail bags, which may or may not suit you. There will be ongoing support from a professional caseworker. You should check beforehand but this type of work is unlikely to affect your benefits.

Supported work
 Supported work is more flexible than employment projects. You could be working in a sheltered workshop but you may also be working in a large organisation. You will be supported while you work and may have opportunities for additional training. The Jobcentre Plus  scheme New Deal has a supported element.

If you apply for New Deal for Disabled People the Job Centre will offer you training and support while setting you up in a suitable position. The support may include a counsellor. They may not however have a great deal of experience in dealing with people with mental health problems. You might like to talk through the pros and cons of supported work with your GP before you talk to the job centre.

However, the money that you earn from such work may affect means-tested benefits that you are claiming. Remember too that out of that you will probably have to pay costs for lunch and travel.

Part-time work
Part-time work has the advantages that you will be able to ease yourself into work more than if you took on a full-time role. Part-time work may also leave you with the flexibility to go to therapy appointments during the day, do some additional training or look after your children.

However, you should get some expert advice about how work will affect your benefits. Remember you will have to pay for lunch and travel out of the money you earn. The Citizens Advice  can do a calculation of whether you will be better or worse off.

Full-time work
 For many, part-time work is not an easy option because of the difficulty in coming off benefits and into work. If you are returning to full-time work after a period of illness ask yourself what were the stressors that caused your mental illness. If any of these were work related try to reduce them. For some people a change of role or job would be advisable.

Once again, you should consider the money you have coming in on benefits and what the benefits cover, the change in benefits once you start working and any additional costs associated with work. The Citizens Advice  can calculate whether you are better or worse off.