New training to help people with autism and learning difficulties navigate benefit system

Benefits assessors have been given training to help people with autism and learning disabilities better navigate the welfare system.

For many, the system is incredibly complex - and we've seen that firsthand.

In fact, a recent survey of people who applied for benefits after speaking to us found that nearly one in five (17%) found the application process difficult, time-consuming and needed lots of documents.

But the complexity of the system can be even harder to deal with if you have autism or a learning disability.

So training has been delivered to healthcare professionals at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help them make reasonable adjustments where necessary, such as:

• giving people more time in assessments, so they feel less anxious and better able to speak confidently
• simpler and clearer communications from Jobcentres
• ensuring Jobcentres feel safe and manageable for those who struggle in busy or loud environments

The training also aims to prevent symptoms being wrongly attributed to someone’s disability rather than investigated properly, so people get the right support at the right time.

More than 4,000 healthcare professionals at the DWP have now completed the training.

Government wants to ‘break down barriers’

Sir Stephen Timms, the social security and disability minister, believes the training will help ensure everyone is treated as an individual.

“Services must understand the people they serve,” he commented.

“We’re determined to break down barriers for disabled people, and to put autistic people and those with learning disabilities at the very heart of our decisions and direction.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability Mencap, added that the training is an “important step towards a more accessible and inclusive benefits system”. 

“The training they’ve received has the potential to make a real difference in helping them to communicate more clearly, recognise individual needs and make reasonable adjustments,” he said.

Find out what benefits you can claim 

For many, it isn’t always clear what financial support you might be entitled to if you’re struggling.

But we’re here to make it simple for you and help you find out what help you could receive.

Try our benefits calculator or get in touch to see if you’re getting all the support you’re entitled to.