Incapacity Benefit point system

charliecharley2

Hi all

Really glad I found this site as I have a few questions

I've been claiming IB for the last 4 years due to being diagnosed with M.E. I've had 2 medicals in this time and I'm due another one about the end of April. I remember when they signed me off for another year that i recieved a letter with my point assesment on but I didn't really understand it. Does anyone know the scoring works?

Also i'm now under a Neurologist as i'm having severe problems with my left hand, arm and shoulder but my next appointment with my consultant isn't until May, will this go against me in my medical as they're not sure what's wrong yet?

Thanks for any advice, it'll be greatly appreciated

Chrysalis

there is multiple categories such as ability to walk, ability to stand up and sit down, ability to pick up things. Then you get scored on ach and the amount of points you get depends on the severity of the problem, if you are very severe in just a single category that alone will give you enough points which is 15. there is also seperate categories for mental problems and I think for them it requires 10 points.

emmiemac

Hi there,

I found this webpage http://www.tameside.gov.uk/benefits/capabilityassessment
that has a really clear description of how all the points are made up.

I'm also on IB due to having M.E. for about the past 5 years. Got to go for a medical myself this month, not looking forward to it.

I wouldn't think it would be a problem that you don't know whats wrong with your arm and shoulder, what I would have thought is more important is how it affects you e.g. does it make it difficult for you to cook a meal for instance or wash yourself, this would be what they're interested in. (Although I'm sure energy levels are an issue too!)

I'm taking my husband with me for my appointment, do you usually take anyone? I find it helpful as he can help explain the difficulties I have to the doctor and it's nice to have someone back me up!

Just remember that its recommended that you describe what you're able to do on the basis of one of your bad days. And do emphasise that even though you may be able to do certain things e.g stand for a short period, walk a short distance, that you would not be able to do these things repeatedly and you may need to rest afterwards. Make sure you tell them how much help you get from family etc in daily living.

Lots of luck with it! Let us know if you want to know anything else

charliecharley2

Hi thanks for the replies.

Emmie, I always take someone with me. When I was at home I took my mum as she was doing everything for me and now I live with boyfriend I take him so he can comment, I think it helps to have someone with you who sees you on a day to day basis and for moral support as I get scared of the medicals, i'm a wimp lol

emmiemac

That's good you take someone with you.

I get pretty anxious about the medicals too, they can be quite intimidating I think and there's always the worry that you're saying everything you need to. I'll be glad when it's over with again. Try not to worry about yours.

hayleydsmith

hi all. I've had my incapacity benefit stopped, (i had 3 payments) and i'm not entitled to ANY other benefits, apparantly. the medical assessor didnt even know what my illness was (which is understandable as it is very rare) but he made no effort to ask about it, and i was awarded 6 points out of the 15. he never assessed my mental health and never actually asked what i could and couldnt do. does anyone know how i appeal or how i find out whether i am entitled to other benefits? i got turned down for DLA too.

healy

hayleydsmith wrote: »

hi all. I've had my incapacity benefit stopped, (i had 3 payments) and i'm not entitled to ANY other benefits, apparantly. the medical assessor didnt even know what my illness was (which is understandable as it is very rare) but he made no effort to ask about it, and i was awarded 6 points out of the 15. he never assessed my mental health and never actually asked what i could and couldnt do. does anyone know how i appeal or how i find out whether i am entitled to other benefits? i got turned down for DLA too.

You need to get form GL24 from the Jobcentre Plus to appeal. You have one month to appeal the decision. If you attend the appeal you have a greater chance of success. It would also be a good idea to get help appealing from the CAB or other Welfare Rights such as at your local council. Depending on your circumstances you can claim reduced rate Income Support or JSA whilst appealing.

Chrysalis

be aware tho if you claiming due to mobility reasons and you attend an appeal there is the risk of the tribunal seeing you attending as a sign of been mobile and mark it against you.