What to expect from Disability Employment Advisors ? Pros/cons ?

Hi All,

Two Ppl I care for ( +reg apptee ) have DEA appts this week. We asked for this input as both are u25. One clmt has LCWRA and other i have to submit WCA this week.

I wanted to explore all DWP options for employment support ie CV's and how to deal with application/recruitment process when person has disabilities.

Can anyone share experience ? Is there anything we need to be mindful of given UC status ?

Thanks in advance

Hiya ,

We had a video call with a DEA yesterday.

Wasn't sure what to expect tbh - i'd done a bit of research beforehand and wasnt too excited but kept an open mind.

Current status of UC - Clmt has a fit note til end of Dec and expected to continue into New Year. His WCA appln completed and retnd yesterday - so that's where we r

DEA was focused on confirming if Clmt was looking for work and impact of this on the WCA process. We explained he has been applying for IT jobs and apprenticeships since leaving college this year. DEA then suggested that fact alone would nullify the WCA.

I mentioned needing support with recruitment process, reasonable adjustments , EA2010 guidance Access to Work, to supplement what clmt is doing. This would be helpful to get him thru interviews when and if that happens. I believe once employed and supported his MH will improve. 🤞🏽

Conversation ended with folo up appt in new year. No offer/ explanation of what DEA can do to support. Just given what felt like an ultimatum to choose and decide wca OR std UC pathways.

I already know we will let WCA process run its course until ADHD titration plan is stable and we know the outcome of a 6 month treatmt plan for another chronic condition.

To summarise I was very disappointed, but not surprised by the DEA meeting and how it was conducted. IMO it felt, unprofessional and lacking in any real substantive information to help clmt - i know i am asking too much of civil servant so don't come at me

Next instalment in new year.

DEA was able to refer onto specialist providers commissioned to provide the Work Choice and then later the Work and Health Program (WHP). WHP is now closed and the replacement is unclear/WIP.
If you ask directly about the WHP replacement for your area, you might get more useful information.