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JIM STRANG
WELFARE RIGHTS AND EMPLOYMENT LAW CONSULTANTS
This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of 'The Wirral Globe'/Jim Strang.
SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR DISABILITY WORKING ALLOWANCE (DWA)?
This week the topic is the Disability Working Allowance (DWA) and is really just a guide.
if you want to know more, then contact your local DSS office for leaflets. The article is to make people aware of who
may or may not qualify.
DWA - WHAT IS IT?
DWA is tax free and is paid on top of low wages. It can also be paid to self-employed people
who are also at a disadvantage in getting a job. To qualify you must be working more than
16 hours a week and, unlike Family Credit, you do not need to have children to receive it.
WHAT IS THE IDEA OF DWA?
DWA is intended to encourage people with disabilities to return to work. it is aimed at people who are in receipt of
Incapacity benefit and SDA. Alarm bells should ring if you get any of these benefits and it is suggested that you
get a low-paid job and claim it. Although there is a provision that lets you return to incapacity Benefit or SDA
within two years on the same terms, my advice is to think it through first before taking this giant step.
WOULD I BE BETTER OFF?
Each DSS and Job Centre has a person available who can calculate if you are to be better off on DWA. They should be able to work out
how much Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit you will get. It will then be possible to compare exactly what you have left and any
difference.
SOME BENEFITS
If you get DWA you can receive free legal advice and assistance and Socisal Fund payments for maternity and funerals, health
and home repair assistance.
ADVICE
It is important to take advice as soon as you possibly can. The local Citizen's Advice Bureaux, Unemployed Centres or
Advice Centres should be able to help. It is, however, advisable to use the advisor in the DSS ot Job Centre.
IF YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS ARTICLE OR ANY OTHER WELFARE RIGHTS OR EMPLOYMENT PROBLEM THEN WRITE TO:
(ENCLOSING A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR A REPLY)
JIM STRANG
8 Fairbeech Court
Beechwood
Birkenhead
Merseyside L43 7SZ
IF YOU WISH MR STRANG TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF THEN GIVE HIM A RING ON:
TELEPHONE: 0151 606 1188
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