Work Choice
1. Overview
Work Choice can help you get and keep a job if you're disabled and find it hard to work.
It’s voluntary - you don't have to do it. The type of support you get depends on the help you need. This is different for everyone but can include:
- training and developing your skills
- building your confidence
- interview coaching
You can't get Work Choice in Northern Ireland - they have different schemes instead.
Work Choice replaced WORKSTEP and Work Preparation. The Job Introduction Scheme has not been replaced and has now stopped.
2. What you'll get
You can get support to help you find, keep and get on in a job.
The type of help you get depends on what you need - it's different for everyone. For example, you might get help with:
- training
- building your confidence
- finding a job that suits you
- interview coaching
- developing your skills
You'll have an interview to see what support you need when you join Work Choice.
How Work Choice works
Work Choice is delivered by different providers across the country. They offer 3 levels of help.
| Level of help | What you get | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Work Entry Support | Advice on work and personal skills to help you find a job | Up to 6 months |
| In-Work Support | Help to start work and stay in your job | Up to 2 years |
| Longer-term In-Work Support | Help to get on in your job and work without support | Long-term |
Work Entry Support can be extended by 3 or 6 months in exceptional circumstances and when there is a clear prospect of a job.
Complaints
Talk to the service provider first if you have a complaint. If you’re still not happy, contact your Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus.
3. Eligibility
To qualify for Work Choice you must:
- be of working age
- need support in work as well as to find a job
- be able to work at least 16 hours a week after Work Entry Support
- have a recognised disability that means you find it hard to get or keep a job
- need specialist help that you can't get from other government programmes or schemes - eg workplace adjustments, suppliers working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus or Access to Work
You can apply if you have a job but are at risk of losing it because of your disability. This also applies if you're self-employed.
You don't have to be getting benefits to apply.
4. How to claim
To find out how to join Work Choice, speak to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus.