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Pathways to Work

Pathways to Work helps people to get work if they are receiving Employment and Support Allowance or an incapacity benefit because of a health condition or disability. The help is tailored specifically for each person taking part in the programme.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who is not in work because of an illness or disability can volunteer to participate for Pathways to Work. Any new recipients of the following will be required to participate in Pathways to Work in return for receiving these benefits.

  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Income Support (because of incapacity)
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • also those appealing against a decision which embodies a determination on incapacity for work

If you make a fresh (or repeat) claim for Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance you will automatically be referred to an Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) in your local Jobs and Benefits office or JobCentre.

What support will I get?

You will be allocated your own specially trained Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) who will arrange a series of meetings with you. At these meetings your Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) will:

  • discuss with you the difficulties you are encountering which make it difficult to work and
  • help you consider a range of choices which may provide the practical, health and financial supports you might need to make decisions about work
  • Jobs and Benefits office/JobCentre (contacts section)

Your Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) will help you consider the range of choices, as follows:

Choice 1

Condition Management Programme

The Condition Management Programme (CMP) is an important part of the ‘Pathways to Work’ initiative which aims to help people on Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) return to work.

Anyone in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, Income Support based on incapacity, Severe Disablement Allowance and ESA may be able to join the programme.

What does CMP involve?

CMP is a work-focused support and advice programme which lasts up to twelve weeks. It is delivered by health care professionals who will help clients understand and manage their conditions and assist in getting them back to work.

What sort of health conditions can be tackled?

Health care professionals will provide support and advice to help clients manage arthritic complaints, back and neck problems, chronic fatigue, depression, pain and stress, as well as heart, circulatory and respiratory disorders.

How do I find out more about and join CMP?

CMP is available in all areas of Northern Ireland and information on the programme can be obtained from Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) in local Jobs and Benefits offices or JobCentres.

If Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) and clients agree that CMP might assist a return to work, clients will be referred locally to a team of health care professionals (known as Providers).

If the programme is suitable, the Providers will devise an Action Plan to help clients manage their condition and will work with and support them as the action plan is delivered.

CMP is an entirely voluntary programme and benefits will not be affected if clients choose not to take part in or leave the programme early. It will not be suitable for everyone, but there are lots of other options open to you. Your Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) will provide information on all the other choices.

Choice 2

Learn more about what work you might be able to do and what you can earn without losing benefit under the Permitted Work scheme.

Choice 3

It is expected you can progress from CMV to other departmental provisions.

Choice 4

Extra financial support while you work. The Return to Work Credit (RTWC) is a tax free payment of £40 per week for up to 52 weeks if you work for at least 16 hours a week and earn up to £15,000 per year.

The Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) can also access a discretionary fund to help support a return to work activity.

Choice 5

Your Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) can provide information on an extensive range of existing help and support such as the Travel to Interview scheme and Job Grant.

Throughout your participation in Pathways to Work your Employment Service Adviser (Pathways) will help you select the help and support suitable for your needs and your circumstances.

They will help you to try out work and make it pay. If it doesn’t work out they’ll make sure it doesn’t affect your benefits so you’ve nothing to lose.

How can I get more information and help?

Call into or telephone the Jobs and Benefit offices or Jobcentre in your local area and tell them you are interested in Pathways to Work.

More useful links

The Disability Employment Service

The Disability Employment Service (DES) provides support to employers to help them recruit people with health issues or disabilities. And, it enables employers to retain employees who become sick or disabled in their jobs.

DES also helps people who are sick and disabled find employment and has responsibility for the choices package available under the Pathways to Work Initiative. It also has an Occupational Psychology Service. You can find out more about DES by downloading the leaflet at the following link.