Housing Benefit applicable amount and Incapacity Benefit

GreenMan

Hi there

I'm on the higher rate of incapacity benefit short term and wonder if I qualify for a disability premium when my housing benefit is calculated. At the moment it seems my applicable amount (single person over 25) is set at the lower Jobseekers Allowance rate hence since moving to IB the gain I've made in income has simply come off my Housing Benefit and my council tax benefit. Is this usual?

Thanks
GM :rolleyes:

dmg24

The disability premium is paid in the following circumstances:

You must be under 60 years of age. It does not matter if you have not paid national insurance contributions. If you or your partner receives incapacity benefit at the long-term rate, severe disablement allowance, (SDA) or disability living allowance (DLA) you should automatically qualify for the disability premium in your income support , income-based job seekers allowance, housing benefit or council tax benefit. If you do not receive DLA , SDA or incapacity benefit you will need to get sick notes from the doctor and be classed as incapable of work for 12 months (for more details see, how to claim). If you are claiming income support or JSA for your partner and it is your partner who is sick (and they don't receive DLA , SDA or incapacity benefit) then it may be advisable to change the claimant role to your partner- get further advice on this. You may still choose to sign on for national insurance credits if you are unemployed.

Therefore, unless you are receiving DLA, you will not qualify x

GreenMan

dmg24 wrote: »

The disability premium is paid in the following circumstances:



Therefore, unless you are receiving DLA, you will not qualify x

Thanks dmg - I just wanted to check that one out though it was what I suspected. Its brutal really that I am on a higher rate of benefit for my inability (at the moment) to work however any gains that are made in my income are all taken off my HB and CTB!

dmg24

No probs GreenMan, and welcome to MSE! x