Can you work part time on DLA?

Thanks a lot everyone, nice to know there are some others in the same position. I really feel like I want to get out there and make a success of myself at the minute, maybe I am slightly manic? It just feels the right thing to do. But can we do it? What happens the next time we break down into madness and panic attacks come creeping over us? Get sacked and be back in the same position we are now?
Do I have to tell possible employer about my bipolar or can I keep it quiet? Im sure no1 would give a bipolar a job no matter how much they say it doesnt matter.
What you guys think
xxx

That's the dilemma, how much you disclose about your health. I have always worked in the health/care sector and never had a problem getting work, have studied to post graduate level, many courses over the years, that was until i received a diagnosis of bipolar 8 years ago after a period of ill health that brought me into contact with the services. Since then i have gone through periods of trying to get a job, no luck. And have also tried to keep my CV up to date with Voluntary work and service user consultancy so gaps are few. Have tried hard past couple of years and found a pattern that i get offered an interview under the two ticks scheme, which means if you meet the job specification and you have a disability you are guaranteed an interview only that's as far as it goes. with me. Mental ill health retains sadly such a stigma and much discrimination fuelled by ignorance and fear and a huge barrier to work even within mental health services(which is my area of work) and competing for a job in this economic climate makes it even harder. sadly that is an area that the ESA/ATOS/DWP don't take into consideration the social impact of disability, much to our detriment. The 2010 Equality Act will give a small piece of protection when it is implemented in as much as it limits employers asking health related questions at interview, Good luck
Carole

A friend of mine got work as a postie, but didn't mention any mental health issues. On the other hand I remember the first interview I had after leaving the civil service because of bipolar. I mentioned that I'd suffered from depressive illness and was in and out the door in two minutes flat. Hardly a confidence booster.

I think you've got to try and figure out for yourself whether you're being over-optimistic about the work situation or not. Like it or not it seems that the main push is going to be towards more people looking for work (or at least investigating their capabilities) soon. I think, especially with bipolar, you've got to think about the 'safety net' angle so am personally wary of putting myself in situations that may well trigger relapse episodes.

Re DLA the correct answer given for employment and DLA is that provided your care and mobility needs have not changed since the last decision then the fact that you take employment should not matter also any money paid for DLA is not taxable and any monies earned from a job would not affect your DLA. I stand corrected on this next comment if I am wrong but I dont think there is a direct question in the claim pack that asks you about employment?.

Thanks so much guys
All very valid comments. I just wish there were some sort of support (apart from this site) for people with mental health problems. Maybe something like we can get a job but if a 'relaps' does come along we are covered. I know it's sooo not the same but people who have babies get to have maternity leave (absolutley agree with dont get me wrong) possibly something along those lines for people with mental health problems?
I'm pretty sure that the poor quality of life some people with mental health problems have due to lack of social independance must contribute to self harm, more relapses and even in some cases suicide? I know I feel quite trapped in my situation, both scared of trying because of relapse and if DLA see me as ling about my condition.
xxxxx

QueenyV wrote:

Thanks so much guys
All very valid comments. I just wish there were some sort of support (apart from this site) for people with mental health problems. Maybe something like we can get a job but if a 'relaps' does come along we are covered. I know it's sooo not the same but people who have babies get to have maternity leave (absolutley agree with dont get me wrong) possibly something along those lines for people with mental health problems?
I'm pretty sure that the poor quality of life some people with mental health problems have due to lack of social independance must contribute to self harm, more relapses and even in some cases suicide? I know I feel quite trapped in my situation, both scared of trying because of relapse and if DLA see me as ling about my condition.
xxxxx

Could have written these words myself. Trouble is with bipolar the effect of trying out work may not be known until months down the line, by which time all rights to benefit are lost, and you end up with nothing having to start all over again. It is the nature of this illness - that each time you take a few steps forward you fall flat on your face.