Incapacity Benefit

Tootie_Fruity

If someone has worked full time for 20+ years and become ill can they get incapacity benefit if they are signed off by the doctor ?

Does it matter if their husband still works full time and is on an average weekly wage ?

Thankyou.

elsieo

Hi.
I claim incapacity benefit. It isnt income based. Its a flat rate depending on how long you've been off for. You may need to to start claiming stat sick pay for a period of time. cant remember exactly. But definitly doesnt matter what your husband earns.

seven-day-weekend

If you have paid enough Class One National Insurance Contributions for the relevant years (which you should have if you've been employed for over 20 years), then you should be able to receive IB once Statutory Sick Pay stops.

The only time it is means-tested is if you have an Occupational Pension of over £85, when it is reduced by 50p in every £1 over that.

So your husband working should not stop you getting IB if you are otherwise entitled.

Hope this helps.

stazi

The IB leaflet is here-
http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stellent/groups/jcp/documents/websitecontent/dev_012319.pdf
IB is only payable in 2007 if enough Class 1 standard rate NIC (Table A or D) has been paid in the relevant tax years 04/05 and 05/06.
IB is not means tested, but Pension Income of £85+pw will affect the rate of IB.