Connect to Work - Who can apply?

A disabled person is someone who has a physical or mental condition that makes it harder to do everyday things. This could mean a condition that has a big and lasting effect on their daily life, as described in the Equality Act 2010. Another way to understand disability is through the social model. This means that people are disabled by barriers in society – like buildings that are hard to get into, unhelpful attitudes, poor communication, or unfair rules – rather than by their condition alone.

The Equality Act 2010

Mental health conditions, for example depression or social anxiety, can make it hard to look for a job. If you think you are affected by a condition like this, you do not need a medical diagnosis to join the Connect to Work programme.

This includes someone who has finished a prison or community sentence, or someone who is currently serving a community sentence.

This means someone who gives unpaid care, full-time or part-time, to a family member or friend who is very ill, disabled, or not able to look after themselves. They do not need to live in the same home.

It also includes people who have recently been a carer.

This includes people who are sleeping on the streets or staying in emergency or temporary housing.

It also includes people who are at risk of becoming homeless. For example, people who:

• have been told to leave their home (eviction),

• are staying on friends’ sofas,

• are living in caravans on sites they are not allowed to be on, or

• are living in homes that are unsafe or very overcrowded.

Former service or reserve members and partners of Armed Forces personnel.

We understand that people with a history of substance dependency may feel low in confidence to take work or may also have other concerns.

 Including care leavers (formerly 'looked after') under the age of 25. This includes people who have been in the care system, such as in foster care or kinship care.

This includes people on resettlement schemes such as Afghan or Ukrainian people.

Remember, you must also:

• Have the right to live and work in the UK 
• Have settled UK status and access to public funds (benefits)

Anyone can experience domestic abuse and this can affect your ability to find or stay in work.

Young people who are involved, or at risk of being involved, in serious violence often face many difficult problems. These can include living in poverty, having mental health issues, or going through tough experiences as a child.

Modern slavery is a hidden crime. It happens when someone is used and taken advantage of for another person’s benefit. Their human rights are not respected. It often includes threats, lies, force, or abuse of power to control the person.

In exceptional circumstances, young people who are aged 16 and 17 in England will be able to access Connect to Work. They may be:

• Employed but at  risk of dropping out of work
• Struggling to maintain work / sustain employment (incl. self-employment) due to their disability, long term health condition or disadvantages.