In receipt of Incap Benefit - what happens after 52 weeks?

EJ

Hi Everyone,

I am ill with M.E. and unable to work so I am in receipt of Incapacity Benefit. I am not sure how long it will take for me to improve a bit as I have been really ill for the last 8 months or so.

I have just read a bit on the jobcentreplus website and it says that "After 52 weeks Your benefit will usually reduce"
(it says it here: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/492#alreadygetting )

I am now worried as i thought that it will carry on until I am fit for work again - can anyone shed any light on this for me please?

Just for background info - I have no dependants, am 21, and live with my boyfriend who is employed - not sure if any of this makes a difference to my claim!

Thanks in advance!

EJ xx

chrissiesurfergirl123

This means if you have been in hospital for 52 weeks your benefit will normally reduce. It should be read in conjunction with the previous heading about being in hospital.

EJ

Thanks for that - it's really not clear and i thought it a bit strange!!

Pheeww .. what a relief!

EJ x

Ted_Hutchinson

There is more comprehensive information about Incapacity Benefit in the Technical Guide IB1 Incapacity Benefit
In fact the amount you get for IB goes up after 29 weeks and 52 weeks.
Short-term lower rate £57.65
Short-term higher rate £68.20
Long-term basic rate £76.45

The boy friend will not affect your IB claim as IB isn't means tested. Your age will entitle you to a little more (Incapacity Age Addition) should you still be too ill to work after 52 weeks.
Lower rate £8.05
Higher rate £16.05

Poppycat

You can also get top ups if you have kids. A mate of mine gets £104 but has two kids, and wife works P/T on WFTC and CTC.

Tharweb

Poppycat wrote:

You can also get top ups if you have kids. A mate of mine gets £104 but has two kids, and wife works P/T on WFTC and CTC.

Increases for children stopped when CTC was introduced. Presumably your friend was receiving IB prior to the introduction of CTC's and therefore can continue to claim the increases.

Poppycat

I didn't know that, I know he does get £104 so I assume you must be right that he get's this prior to CTC

Ted_Hutchinson

As your condition has existed for over 3 months and may continue for at least a further 6 months it may be worth your while considering if you meet the Disability Living Allowance criteria. If you feel you do have that level of care need then have a look at the DLA links in Fran's Stickies at the top of the page however claiming DLA on ME grounds isn't easy and you will need support from your Doctor but do post back here if you think that may be applicable.