What is Incapacity Benefit? Who can get it? This is a benefit for those who are unable to work because of an illness or disability. Indeed, those affected by this kind of condition will likely be eligible. If you qualify, you could receive this benefit and more. You may want to apply to increase the amount of money that you receive. Your Benefits will tell you everything you need to know about incapacity benefit.

What is Incapacity Benefit?

Incapacity Benefit is a benefit being replaced by the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). In fact, it is a disablement benefit meant to give money to people who are not capable of work. More specifically, to people who are unable to do so because they are sick or disabled, especially in the long term. However, doing ‘permitted work‘ is allowed.

Furthermore, you may already be receiving this benefit. If this is the case, your claim will likely be reassessed. Indeed, this is to see whether or not you are indeed unable to work. Then, if you qualify, you will be able to receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

My incapacity benefits claim is reassessed

Your claim for Incapacity Benefit may be reassessed. If this is the case, Jobcenter Plus will send you a questionnaire. Then, the questionnaire will ask you questions on your ability to undertake daily tasks. Indeed, the steps will be as follows:

1. Filling out the questionnaire that is sent to you. Additionally, you will need to send it back by the deadline. Furthermore, you may need to put with it medical letter are report that are judged relevant. Note that they will be sent back to you;
2. Then, Jobcenter Plus may judge that you have to go to a reassessment meeting. If this is the case, you are obligated to attend it;
3. Then, your reassessment will determine whether you are able to work or not.

Your reassessment may determine that you are able to work. If this is the case, you will no longer receive Incapacity Benefit. Then, you will be contacted by Jobcenter Plus to see what other steps you may be able to take. For example, you may then qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).

However, your assessment may determine that you are unable to work. If this is the case, your case will be transferred for Employment and Support Allowance. Then, this will be done automatically. No additional input is necessary on your end.

Not everyone will need to undergo a reassessment. Indeed, you will not need to if you already receive Employment and Support Allowance. Furthermore, this is also the case if you reached State Pension age prior to March 2014.

What is permitted work?

This benefit is intended for people who are unable to work because of an illness or disability. However, you may be doing some kind of work, and still be eligible. Indeed, the following is considered ‘permitted work’:

• Work that earns you a maximum of £152 weekly. However, this work must either be for a treatment programme, or looked over by someone from a volunteer organization or local council;
• Work that earns you a maximum of £152 weekly. This is if you do not need to do a personal capability assessment;
• Volunteer work;
• Work that earns you a maximum of £152 weekly, if you work fewer than 16 hours weekly (on average).

What if my circumstances change?

If you experience a change in your situation, you must notify the Jobcentre Plus office of it. Indeed, this could impact the amount of money you receive, or even your eligibility. Furthermore, you need to let them know if you work, including if you do ‘permitted work‘.

Most people over 16 years old and under State Pension age are subject to the Benefit Cap. Indeed, this limits the total number of benefits that someone is able to get.

Incapacity Benefit when living abroad

Some countries have agreed to a ‘Social Security Agreement‘ with Britain. Indeed, if you move to another country, you may still be able to receive some payments, as well as some other UK benefits. The countries that have agreed to the Social Security Agreement are the following:

• USA;
• Turkey;
• Republics of the former Yugoslavia;
• The Philippines;
• Jersey and Guernsey;
• Jamaica;
• Israel;
• Barbados.

Additionally, you can notify the International Pension Centre with any questions you have with getting UK benefits while living in other countries. Furthermore, you may have worked in another country, but now live in the UK. If this is the case, you could qualify for this benefit. Then, the country you worked in could pay you said benefit, in some cases.

How much is Incapacity Benefit?

Incapacity Benefit is being replaced by the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Furthermore, ESA is divided into 2 groups. First is the work-related activity group. This is for people who are currently unable to work, but would be able to in the future.

Then, the second group is called the support group. Indeed, this is for people who are unable to work, and do not expect to be able to work later. 

Then, if you are in the support group, you will not have to set up an appointment with your work coach. However, if you would like to partake in work related activities, you can let them know, however, you will not be required to be looking for work.

How to get esa

You may want to make a claim for Incapacity Benefit, and realized that you are unable to do so. Indeed, this is because Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is replacing this benefit. Indeed, you can claim this benefit online, on the Gov.UK website.

Note that you can get another benefit for 28 weeks. In fact, this isn’t incapacity benefit or esa. Instead, it’s statutory sick pay. Additionally, if you can get incapacity benefit, you may be able to get disability living allowance (dla). You may be eligible for other benefits and tax credits. Your Benefits, as well as Citizens Advice can help you.

Esa application requirements

To apply for Employment and Support Allowance, you need a couple of information. Mainly, the following:

• If you work: your income details;
• The name, address and phone number of your doctor;
• If you claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): the date on which it ends;
• The account number and sort code of your building society or bank account. If you use a family member or friend’s account, the information needs to be for their account;
• Your own National Insurance number;
• If you were unable to work for the duration of 7 days or more, because of a health condition or disability: a fit note provided by your doctor (this is also sometimes called).

ESA: can I apply because of COVID?

If you quarantined or self-isolated prior to 24 March 2022, you may claim this benefit up to 3 months afterwards. Indeed, you will need to provide one of the following:

• in case you were not able to work because of covid-19: a self-isolation note;
• information about your travel, if the reason for your quarantining is going abroad;
• if your self isolation is because of a surgery: a letter confirming the date on which the surgery takes place;
• if you came in contact with a person with Covid-19: the notification from the NHS, or your public health authority.

How can I apply for ESA?

You can apply for ESA online or by phone. Applying online is pretty straightforward, and is the easiest way to apply. Indeed, you can do so on the Gov.UK website.

You may also apply by phone. Indeed, you can call the Universal Credit helpline. Do this if you:

• are unable to submit an online application;
• are applying for another person.

To call, phone 0800 328 5644 and choose option 3. However, if you want to apply through textphone, text 0800 328 1344 and chose option 3.

If you are eligible, you will then be asked to schedule an appointment. Indeed, this will be with a work coach, and will determine the extent to which you are unable to work.