Hello.
We would like employ a disabled worker (he gets disability from the dwp about £80 per week).
We intend to pay him £80 for a few hours work a week. This will not affect his benefits we understand.
Also, we want to provide a company car for him to use. Will this be added to his income for the disability benefit, or is it not ?
Thanks lots
Paul
Paul
Replies (2)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
What benefit?
If you are talking about disability living allowance, it is not means tested.
DLA
As a recipient I can confirm that not only is your income irrelevant to the amount of DLA you recieve, but so are any benefits such as a car / medical insurance. The aim is to cover the additional costs over and above those needed by a non-DLA qualifying induvidual regardless of other income.
Incapacity Benefit which is payable at up to £81.35 per week will probably be affected however and your worker will need to check with the DWP before accepting a position...reclaiming IB after trying to work can be difficult.
Additionally, as an employer, if you need to make any adjustments to suit a new staff member you can reclaim some / all of the costs as long as you apply quickly; you need to contact your local job centre and ask about Access to Work and to speak to a Disabilities Advisor. This usually covers items such as ramps, IT adjustments (screen readers for the visually impaired etc.) and special desks / chairs.
Lots of other things can also be claimed. For example, if the employee has been out of work for a long time you can also claim some of his / her salary for the first 13 weeks; again contact an advisor.