Unemployed D's with learning disabilities what help can we get?

[Totallybannanas]

We didn't get a diagnosis until late and so only did have a EHC plan in year 11. He then dropped out of college and went to another provider, he left at 18 as he just wanted to leave education due to his bad experiences. He didn't finish his qualifications and wanted to get a job.

I managed to get him a job in a fast food provider, zero hours but he never really got offered enough hours. He struggled with the changing shift patterns and with time management and following instructions so he left.

He has since registered with the job centre and claiming universal credit, but they have been useless in helping him find any employment. I also feel we are only just seeing changes in his needs due to his learning disability and obviously his struggles are more apparent now transitioning into adulthood. I just don't know what support or help/benefits we can claim? Ideally he wants to work, it will be much better for his mental health rather then giving him extra money. But does he need to register his disability somewhere or get another assessment? He was assessed by SALT and an ed psych in school. His disability is known as a hidden disability, so no one would be aware unless he told them.

I’m no expert in this field but the princes trust may be able to support your DS or at least sign post you in the right direction.

good luck!

Benefits wise, is DS in receipt of the LCWRA element of UC and PIP?

How old is DS? If he isn’t too old and the EHCP ceased, request an EHCNA again. An EHCP could provide supported work experience, supported internship or apprenticeship. For some, this leads to full or part time employment.

Scope offer a Support to Work scheme who can provide support. It is a 12 week programme.

Mencap have a few different Employ Me schemes which DS may be eligible for depending on where you live and how old he is.

There’s the work and health programme, but some find it more helpful than others.

In any future jobs DS can request set shifts rather than a changing shift pattern as a reasonable adjustment.

Thank you, he is only claiming UC as registered with the job centre. He left college at 18 but the plan never got reviewed during the time he was there and then they passed if off as he left. I am not sure how to request another EHC plan, now he is out of education but I will see if I can find out. He is now 19.

Obviously now he is an adult, I feel his struggles are more apparent and less manageable as a he tries to become more independent. And his mental health as become very poor.

Does DS have the LCWRA element on his UC claim?

Was the EHCP formally ceased? If so, you can request another EHCNA using the model letter on IPSEA’s website. If another EHCP is issued it is worth knowing it must be reviewed at least annually.

No he isn't claiming the LCWRA I will look into it. And thank you I will find out. Part of the EHC plan was to help him transition into adulthood which is the sad part, obviously he left education through his own choice but it's so frustrating the last of help post 16.

For the LCWRA, you would need a fit note from DS’s GP. Then he will be sent for a Work Capability Assessment which could decide he is fit for work, has limited capability for work or has limited capability for work and work-related activity. If DS gets LCWRA it will be an extra element on his UC.

You (assuming you are DS’s appointee. If you’re not you should think about if it is necessary) should also look at PIP.

Obviously I don’t know DS, but I suspect DS left education because he thought education going forward had to be the same as everything that had gone before. Whereas, with an EHCP, education doesn’t have to be traditional academic education. It could be accessing the community, volunteering, work experience, supported internship, art/gaming/music/sport (whatever DS’s interests are). It can also include therapies such as OT, SALT, MH therapies.