Re: Inc/Ben (Easy Version)

PurpleGreen_2

Island_Man, I didnt see this earlier...sorry...but Mistral is spot on. Its rarely an interrogation. Its usually just a bored doctor sitting behind a desk asking a few basic questions. Hope all has gone well - do let us know.

Allan

System

A couple of days late but never mind. The Doc had travelled from London to Northampton for our appointment, He asked dozens of questions, wrote down reams of words, rubbed the back of his hand on his dripping nose lots of times and bid us farewell saying "don't worry I can see you are clearly unable to walk, let alone work, you will not loose your benefit". Laugh, I nearly p***** myself !.

Yesterday, I formally informed my MD, that commencing 17th Nov, I will take up the offer of part time work. This, after almost 25 years with the company and will be for a period of four months to decide if it working out OK for me/us.

Does anyone have any information I should be aware of now that i am starting this.

stanjones

I am told it is possible to make a retrospective claim for Incapacity Benefit. How far can one go back ? 2 years,3 years ? If arrears of benefit were paid, would it include the Age Addition for the full period ? I have asked the helpline but I get no definite answer. Does any body have experience of this ?

Ted_Hutchinson

A Claim for Incapacity Benefit can be backdated for up to three months from the date you make your claim.

It may be possible to get a longer backdating if you would have qualified but the reason you didn't claim was you were misled by the DWP, in this case you would have to ask for an Exgratia payment and/or Complain through your MP to The Parliamentary Ombudsman

If you have just moved to this country from abroad you have 196 days to make a claim. However, you dont have to wait to make your claim, you can claim before you become entitled. That way you won't miss out.

dag_2

Incapacity benefit ispayable depending on NI contributions.Incapacity is paid at a lower rate initially, additions can be made depending on age at time of claim and whether you are entitled to claim for a partner as well, after 28 weeks of illness the payment goes up to a higher short term rate, then after 52 weeks it increases to the higher long term rate.

If you think you might not have made sufficient NI contributions to get Incapacity Benefit, but have little other savings or income, then claim Income Support as well.

One of the conditions of claiming Income Support on grounds of ill health is that you have also tried to claim Incapacity Benefit.

If you have been employed, then you may be able to get Statutory Sick Pay for the first 28 weeks. If your NI contributions from your current employer aren't high enough, or if you've been self-employed, then you may be able to get Incapacity Benefit. Either way, it will be based on the "Own Occupation Test" during the first 28 weeks - that is, your ability to do the work that you were doing immediately before you started getting either type of sickness benefit. Once you've been off for 28 weeks, further sickness benefit will be based on the "Personal Capability Assessment".

If you weren't in work before getting Incapacity Benefit, then it will be based on the "Personal Capability Assessment" from day one.

Yesterday, I formally informed my MD, that commencing 17th Nov, I will take up the offer of part time work. This, after almost 25 years with the company and will be for a period of four months to decide if it working out OK for me/us.

I don't know - but I guess that if you pass the Personal Capability Assessment, you'll get Incapacity Benefit - and any work you do shouldn't disqualify you from IB. I'd advise you to check with the CAB.

Fran

I don't know - but I guess that if you pass the Personal Capability Assessment, you'll get Incapacity Benefit - and any work you do shouldn't disqualify you from IB. I'd advise you to check with the CAB.

Dag,

There are strict guidelines about working while on Incapacity Benefit. It is called "Permitted Work". Anyone in this situation should take up to date advice on this.