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What is it?
Incapacity Benefit is paid to people who are unable to work and have paid enough National Insurance Contributions. It was replaced by Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and since 31 January 2011 no new Incapacity Benefit claims have been accepted. You should claim Employment and Support Allowance instead.
If you couldn’t work because of illness or disability before 31 January 2011, you may still be receiving Incapacity Benefit.
Income from Incapacity Benefit is included as income when means-tested benefits and tax credits are calculated. You should enter the amount of Incapacity Benefit you receive so that we can work out your means-tested entitlements.
How much should I be receiving?
From April 2012, all remaining claimants will be being paid Incapacity Benefit at the long term basic rate of £99.15 plus any age additions which might apply:
- incapacity began under 35 = £11.70
- incapacity began between 35-44 = £5.90.
Can I get it?
If you are an existing claimant you can continue to claim Incapacity Benefit. If you are a new claimant you should claim ESA.
Changes for people already claiming Incapacity Benefits
Following the abolishment of Incapacity Benefit for new claims from 27th October, 2008, at some point between 2010-2014 you will be re-assessed under the 'work capability assessment' (unless you reach state pesion age before 6th April 2014), and if you are found to have a 'limited capability for work' under this assessment you will be moved onto Employment and Support Allowance.
Your claim will be reviewed if you are getting one of the following benefits:
- Incapacity Benefit
- Income Support paid because of an illness or disability
- Severe Disablement Allowance.
Jobcentre Plus will write to you when your benefit claim is going to be reviewed. Not everyone will be contacted at the same time. This started in October 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2014.
Until your claim is reviewed you will continue to get your current benefit, as long as you still meet the conditions for that benefit.
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