Welfare Rights Training

Hi To everyone since becoming disabled (Severe OA in most joints neck hips knees 4 ruptured dics and a few probs with damaged nerves) I have found that I have some time on my hands.

I have a good brain and and I want to stretch my mental capacity and try and help people if I can, to this end I would be most greatful for any advice anyone can give me on taking my knowlege further and becoming a Welfare Rights Advisor.

The only expierience is with my own dealings with the system and what I have learned off various foums and websites.

I have the abillity to help people not as strong willed as myself but not sure wich direction to take now so any advice would be most helpful thanks in advance.

Dave

As far as the benefits side of things go, you are probably aware that you can do voluntary work, with the permission of the DWP. As long as the work is not incompatible with what you have told them about your health, they generally seem okay about it. I think some of the Mods would be able to be more specific. If you were to work under the permitted work rules where you can earn a wage under either lower level of 20 pound a week which i think you are able to do for an indefinate period of time or the higher limit which is time limited, you would have to discuss this with the DWP as they are very strict regarding any earnings.
Training as a welfare advisor would likely be voluntary, although you would be able to claim expenses(again DWP permission)and it would be a good idea to approach local organisations who deal with any aspect of welfare rights like DIAL, CAB or any of the various disability groups who would be willing to train you as a volunteer. There are agencies who do have paid welfare rights folk but they are becoming thin on the ground with the cuts in funding.
There are sometimes certain college courses that offer subjects such as working with say homeless or vunerable people and some areas that are covered are welfare based.
Good luck.
Callisto

You could look into becoming a volunteer with your local CAB.

Best!
pikelet

Hi Dave, thought you might like to have a look at this;
Benefit & Work members in Birmingham

I don't know how to do the link but you can search it on the forum.

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hello again David, this may also be of interest;


www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/heal...ocial-care/index.htm


Best wishes,
Rachel

The OU is a good one as it allows people to study from home and I think that there is funding, go for it.
Callisto x