Incapacity benefit withdrawn

longforgotten

My friend has just been notified that her incapacity benefit has been withdrawn and is in an awful tizz. After having an assessment recently they say she is considered ok for work.

She has been hoping to get back to work with the help of the Shaw Trust and, on their advice, started some voluntary work for a charity. She was just finding her feet too, now having her benefit withdrawn has set her back big time. Being ill is bad enough but to have money worries as well is just too much. Shaw Trust can no longer help her. DSS says to appeal and go on to Jobseekers allowance in the meantime. Could go on 'reduced incapacity benefit' but it is less money than jobseekers ... and so it goes on. I don't understand if she is unfit for work how she can go on jobseekers allowance. if she appeals will she be able to see someone to get re-assessed ? Is Citizens Advice the next stop ?

Anybody out there in 'the know' please.

shameless-about-money

On Jobseekers Allowance she may also be entitled to Income Support.

If she is unfit for work the DWP can only put her on JSA since she is effectively £looking for work".

Our Shaw Trust is superb and I would say if they are unable to help her then there must be a reason she has lost the IB.

The details for querying the decision to take her off IB will have been in the letter that came informing her of the decision.

How long has she been off sick?

longforgotten

She has been on the sick a few years now.

As I understand it that while you're in receipt of the benefit Shaw Trust can be of great help, but once it's withdrawn Shaw Trust implied their hands are tied

shameless-about-money

Shaw Trust do encourage people to do voluntary work or some part-time work whilst they are on Incapacity Benefit. Not sure if this isn't just to get people totally back to work, mind you!

You need to read the details included on the IB cessation letter.

Had your friend been for a medical/review before the termination occurred?

longforgotten

She did have to go and see someone but it didn't sound like a medical.

kurjam

i had a medical and when i got my letter i too had my money stopped as i did not get enough points so was classed as capable for working..i appealed and the appeal was in my favour and i got all my money backdated, but these appeals takje a long time 5 months in total and i could not get any jsa, income support while waiting

longforgotten

Kurjam, when you say 'medical' did you actually see a doctor. I think my friend saw a guy who asked questions and ticked boxes etc.

shameless-about-money

But that is what "medicals" for the DWP are! They are not strip you off style!

longforgotten

Yep, you're right she kept her kit on !

saintjanet

She must have filled in an ib50 prior to her medical,people on ib need to be aware of whats involved in the process.If she has been on ib for a few years she must have had a medical before.Its all about scoring the right number of points,if she did so before what has changed in her condition?

I think she needs to appeal if she feels her condition is the same and she has been found fit for work.This is the only option to have her money reinstated but as someone else said it can be a long process,tell her to contact the CAB to start with.

kurjam

yes a medical is where you see some one they ask questions and fill in a bit of paper, no actual medical examination..