A Strengths-Based Guide to Universal Credit and Employment

For Neurodivergent Individuals

A neurodivergent person navigating a path, representing guidance and support

A DDPHub Resource

Foreword: A Positive Partnership

Welcome to this guide, created to support you on your journey with Universal Credit and employment. Our belief, rooted in the principles of The Dynamic Development Plan, is that every individual possesses unique strengths. This guide is not about overcoming deficits; it's about leveraging your natural abilities to create a positive partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and with your future employer. We're here to help you navigate the system in a way that honors who you are.

Our Philosophy

Our approach is simple: we focus on your abilities, talents, and unique ways of thinking. We view your neurodiversity as a source of strength, as outlined in Autism a Superpower - An Awakening. In this guide, we'll help you reframe the processes of Universal Credit and employment as opportunities to highlight what you do best.

Part 1: Your Universal Credit Journey

This section will walk you through the key aspects of your Universal Credit claim, from understanding the basics to effectively communicating with your Work Coach and preparing for assessments.

Chapter 1: Understanding Universal Credit

Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly payment to help with living costs for people who are on a low income or out of work. Unlike some old benefits, there's no fixed limit on how many hours you can work—it's designed to support you as you move into and progress in employment.

Key Terminology

  • Claimant Commitment: An agreement between you and the DWP outlining your responsibilities.
  • Work Coach: Your primary point of contact at the Jobcentre Plus.
  • Online Journal: The main tool for communicating with your Work Coach.
  • Work Capability Assessment (WCA): An assessment to determine how your health condition affects your ability to work.

Chapter 2: Managing Your Universal Credit Account

Navigating the Online Journal

The online journal is your main communication tool. It's a great way to have a written record of all conversations.
Tips: Be concise and clear, keep a record of tasks, and ask for clarification if needed.

Communicating with Your Work Coach

The "Neuro-Inclusive Communication" Blueprint: Your Work Coach can adapt their communication to be more effective. Principles from our guide include using clear, literal language, providing written and spoken instructions, and being flexible with appointment formats.

How to Communicate Your Needs: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. Here is a template you can use:

Example Journal Entry:

"Dear [Work Coach's Name], I have an appointment scheduled for [date]. I would be grateful if we could conduct the meeting in a quiet space, as I can find noise overwhelming. I also process information best when I have written instructions, so if you could follow up with a summary of any actions in my journal, that would be very helpful. Thank you."

The Appointment Experience: You can request adjustments such as a quiet room for appointments, having a support person with you, or using notes to guide the conversation.

Chapter 3: The Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

The WCA is a crucial part of your UC journey if you have a health condition or disability.

Preparing for Your Assessment

The UC50 form is your chance to explain how your neurodivergence impacts your life. Be specific and use real-world examples. Focus on what you find difficult to do on a daily basis.

The WCA Interview

The interview may be in person, by phone, or video. You can request a companion to join you for support. It's okay to take your time to answer questions and to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.

Understanding the Outcome

Your assessment will result in one of three outcomes:

  • Fit for Work: You are expected to look for and prepare for work.
  • Limited Capability for Work (LCW): You are not expected to look for work but will need to engage in work-related activities.
  • Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA): You are not expected to look for or prepare for work.

Part 2: The Path to Employment

This section focuses on using your unique strengths to find a fulfilling role and navigate the workplace, including guidance on disclosure and support schemes like Access to Work.

Chapter 4: Finding the Right Role

The Strengths-Based Profile

Your **Strengths-Based Profile** is a tool for you to recognize and articulate your unique abilities. It’s a proactive way to frame your neurodivergence as an asset.

How to use your profile: Use this profile to guide your job search towards roles that align with your interests and strengths. You can also share it with your Work Coach or a potential employer to help them understand how they can best support you.

Job Searching Strategies

Consider alternative job searching methods that might suit you better, such as portfolio-based applications, networking through neurodivergent communities, or contacting companies that are certified as Disability Confident.

Chapter 5: Disclosure and Workplace Adjustments

To Disclose or Not to Disclose?

This is a personal decision. Disclosing your neurodivergence can open up conversations about the support you might need, but it can also feel like a risk. It's important to weigh the pros and cons for your individual situation.

Access to Work (AtW) Scheme

AtW is a government scheme that can provide a grant to help you get or stay in work. This can fund things like a job coach, specialist equipment (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones), or transport costs. AtW is separate from Universal Credit but works alongside it.

Requesting Reasonable Adjustments

You have the right to request reasonable adjustments from your employer. A request should be specific and practical, drawing from your Strengths-Based Profile.

Part 3: Wellbeing and Resources

Chapter 6: Maintaining a Healthy Mindset

Navigating benefits and employment can be stressful. Remember to prioritize your well-being.

  • Managing Stress: Use simple techniques like taking breaks and planning your day.
  • Building a Support Network: Connect with charities, peer support groups, and specialist organisations. You are not alone on this journey.

Appendix: DWP Internal Blueprint for Staff

This section provides a summary of principles from this guide tailored for DWP staff, promoting neuro-inclusive practices in appointments and casework management.

  • Clear and Explicit Communication: Avoid jargon, idioms, and figurative language.
  • Flexible Appointments: Offer options for appointment environments and formats.
  • Focus on Strengths: Recognize and affirm the unique skills of neurodivergent claimants.
  • Patience and Processing Time: Allow extra time for claimants to process information.
  • Documenting Adjustments: Actively document and respect a claimant's stated support needs.