Incapacity Benefit payments

daylus

Hi, I would like to know, as I am a bit worried about it, whether Incapacity Benefit is paid in arrears or in advance. Whilst I still have my job of 14 years waiting for me once my health has improved, until then I rely upon my reduced salary (SSP) and Incapacity Benefit.

My Incapacity payment is due this Tuesday (6th May 2014) but I have had this morning a letter saying that my current medical certificate runs out on the same day. Obviously, with this being bank holiday weekend, I will not be able to speak to a G.P. to get a new note until Tuesday.

There is no problem or question of one being issued, as my doctor is well aware of the fact that until my treatments are finished and the illness is in full remission, there will be no chance of me returning, but I am worried that the payment due on Tuesday will not be paid and I have no possible way of sorting the problem until after the fact. Unless of course the payments are in arrears.

I have found a few articles/comments that say the fortnightly payments are on an arrears basis, but I get mine four weekly so was unsure how this would work.

Many thanks in advance.

Indie_Kid

It's paid in arrears.

daylus

Thank-you. That saves me a lot of worry. Enjoy the long weekend, if the weather decides to improve at least!

tomtontom

Are you sure you mean IB and SSP? You should not be receiving them together. Perhaps you mean OSP (occupational sick pay) and/ or ESA?

daylus

I thought it was SSP - basically it is a reduced salary (something like 40% of my usual wage) paid indefinitely by my employer until I am able to return. It also, as part of an insurance scheme I paid into, pays the full amount into my pension that I would have been able to had I not become ill.

tomtontom

It sounds like a permanent health insurance scheme (PHI), SSP is something different and only short term. You do need to inform the DWP you are receiving PHI.