Published on 12, July, 2020
I was diagnosed just 6 months ago. Today someone asked if I applied for any assistance, but I said I didn't think I'd be eligible. She suggested I apply anyway and said there are various types of assistance I may be able to recieve. I was hoping to be eligible for some sort of disability pay so I wouldn't have to work so much, but apparently the fact that I work at all makes me ineligible. But I have to work. I have to pay my rent. I have no family and no one to help me and unless I want to be homeless, I have to have a job. I have frequent anxiety attacks and meltdowns at my job and it negatively affects my health. If I was eligible for some sort of payment so I could work less and then find a job better suited to my needs But where do i start?
I would love to know what sort of assistance I could find.
Hi There - Welcome to the community, Your question is one that comes up frequently so I'm sure there are others here who would have some real world practical advice. I have some links to information on our website that might be helpful:
Benefits and Local Branches:
As a starting point, you may wish to read over our information on benefits: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/benefits-and-money/benefits . You can also find more information on benefits through the Citizen’s Advice website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/
You may be interested in contacting a local National Autistic Society branch. Our branches offer support to local autistic people and their families. If you interesting in checking if there is a local branch near to you, please follow the link below: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/local-branches . Our branches are volunteer-led, and as such every branch and group is different. Some are parent support groups, some provide support and information to autistic adults, while others have office premises and run their own a drop-in service. You will need to check with a branch directly for more information on whether they are able to provide a particular service that you are interested in.
You can also browse our website for lots of other advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, including what autism is, socialising and relationships, employment, benefits and social care.
Employment
Our employment pages include information and advice on looking for an applying for a job. We also have a webpage offering information and support on in your rights at work, dealing with bullying and interacting and coping at work.
You can also find a free online ‘Finding Employment’ module on our website. This module is designed to help autistic job seekers entering the job market in understanding their strengths and what next steps they could take towards gaining meaningful employment or work.
Our Spectrum Live online series also features an episode discussing employment, this can be found here.
Evenbreak matches disabled job seekers with employers to build a diverse workforce. You can visit the Evenbreak website for listed job vacancies.
The British Association of Supported Employment (BASE), have a database of supported employment agencies, so you can search for one in your local area.
Maximus offer a range of employability programmes throughout the UK, Including, programmes for disabled people who are struggling to fine work.
Our current employment and volunteering opportunities with The National Autistic Society are listed on our vacancies page. We particularly welcome applications from autistic people.
Hope there is something in there that helps and assists you going forward
Best,
Sarah