Benefit Claim - No Contact

Freddie_85

Almost 2 months ago I had a medical assessment to determine whether I qualified for Incapacity Benefit, I had practically given up on my claim when I received a phone call out of the blue telling me that an appointment had been arranged.

The doctor/assessor told me that I ticked all the boxes and that I would definitely receive support either in the form of Incapacity Benefit, Income Support or Insurance Credits.

But I have heard nothing since then, I don't know who to contact or what I should do. I have been trying to claim for about 9 months now, after my GP suggested I should. I e-mailed my local Social Security Office and didn't receive a reply.

To be honest I'm not even sure what to expect. Do they simply start adding funds to your account, because I haven't received anything. Should I simply give up?

Thank you for any help.

Joaquina

IB is only payable if you have worked for 2 yrs prior to your claim. If you have and pass the doctors examination, then you will be informed by letter from the IB section as to your award.
If you had not worked the 2 yrs prior to claim, then if you are still unfit for work, then you would get IB credits only. which means, no money, just credits which help towards future claims. If you have NO other income and credits only IB, then you could apply for Income Support. A means tested benefit with a seperate application form. ALL income and savings/pensions to be declared. Partners and household members have to declared too.

IB and IS if awarded would be paid into your bank account that you had specified on application.
DWP (social security/DSS) will not reply to email and I can't think who you did email as that is not an accepted means of comms for DWP yet. Write to them or phone. Or visit your local Jobcentreplus office and use their freephones.
If no joy, then ask at Jobcentre what benefit you should apply for. If you are long term sick and have other health issues, try applying for Disabilty Living Allowance (DLA) too. DLA is not means tested.
Hope that helps

blondie21

Joaquina wrote: »

IB is only payable if you have worked for 2 yrs prior to your claim. If you have and pass the doctors examination, then you will be informed by letter from the IB section as to your award.
If you had not worked the 2 yrs prior to claim, then if you are still unfit for work, then you would get IB credits only. which means, no money, just credits which help towards future claims. If you have NO other income and credits only IB, then you could apply for Income Support. A means tested benefit with a seperate application form. ALL income and savings/pensions to be declared. Partners and household members have to declared too.

IB and IS if awarded would be paid into your bank account that you had specified on application.
DWP (social security/DSS) will not reply to email and I can't think who you did email as that is not an accepted means of comms for DWP yet. Write to them or phone. Or visit your local Jobcentreplus office and use their freephones.
If no joy, then ask at Jobcentre what benefit you should apply for. If you are long term sick and have other health issues, try applying for Disabilty Living Allowance (DLA) too. DLA is not means tested.
Hope that helps

I had worked part time all of 2004, 2005 and 2006 but did not earn enough to pay tax ( only did a few hours a week ) but in january 2007 I went full time paying the higher rate stamp and after 25 weeks was unfir for woek . I put a form in and IB said i was not entitled to any money only IB credits ( as you mentioned above ) does that mean after so many more weeks of my IB CREDITS i will be entitled to payment ?

cattie

blondie21 wrote: »

does that mean after so many more weeks of my IB CREDITS i will be entitled to payment ?

No it doesn't. Unless you have worked & paid national insurance contributions for the 2 years leading up to your claim then you have no entitlement to incapacity benefit at all I'm afraid.

Depending on what other income is coming into your household, you may possibly be entitled to an element of income support instead.

Best to see a welfare rights advisor if you are unsure if you'd qualify for help from income support.