Benefits
Knowing which benefits you may be entitled to as well as how to apply for them can be a complicated process. Below is a very brief guide to some of the benefits which you may be able to claim. For more detailed information on any of the benefits outlined below, see the contact info at the bottom of the page.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
This benefit is paid to people under the age of 65 who have a disability. It is paid in two parts; care and mobility and is dependent upon your needs. The two parts are paid at different rates. The care part is paid at three rates; lower, middle and higher rates depending on how much care and support you require from others. The mobility part has two rates; lower and higher and is based on how easy you find walking outdoors.
DLA is not affected by your employment status.
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
This replaced Incapacity Benefit in Oct 2008. The benefit is paid to people who cannot work because of a disability or sickness and who are not receiving statutory sick pay. There are two types of ESA; contributory ESA, which you can receive if you have paid enough national insurance contributions, and income-related ESA which you can receive if your income and capital are low. During the first 13 weeks of an ESA claim, a work capability assessment takes place. This aims to assess how someone is affected by their disability and whether they qualify for ESA. A successful claimant will be expected to carry out a series of work focused interviews aimed at supporting them back into suitable employment.
Working Tax Credits
Tax Credits can be paid to people with disabilties who are in work. To qualify you need to be working over 16 hours and earning under a set threshold (your partner’s income or those you live with can affect this). The Tax Credit Department require applicants to provide updated information on an annual basis. To apply for Working Tax Credit, contact the Tax Credit Helpline for an application pack. The helpline number is 0845 300 3900.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
These benefits are paid to people who are on a low income and can help by reducing the amount paid for council tax and/or rent. If you are claiming other benefits such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment Support Allowance it is even possible that the whole of your rent or council tax may be covered. These benefits are dealt with by your local district council.
Incapacity Benefit
It is no longer possible to start a new claim for this benefit since ESA was introduced in Oct 2008. Those who were already claiming it prior to this date, however, may continue to claim it. There are different rates of Incapacity Benefit. The lower rate, short-term Incapacity Benefit is paid for the first 196 days (28 weeks) you are off sick and is not taxable. The higher rate, short-term Incapacity Benefit is paid for the next six months and long-term Incapacity Benefit is paid after a year. The latter two rates are taxable.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
This benefit is for people who are out of work, but are capable of work and are actively seeking employment. There are two types of JSA; one which is based on your National Insurance contributions and the other which is income based and aimed at those on a low income who have not paid enough NI contributions. Part of the conditions for claiming JSA is that you are capable of work, available to work and actively seeking work. The Job Centre will regularly meet with claimants when they sign on to support their job seeking and to ensure that they are still looking for work.
Permitted Work
It is possible to work whilst claiming ESA and Incapacity benefit. To do so you must work for less than 16 hours per week and earn under a set threshold (currently £95). You can carry out Permitted Work for a period of 52 weeks and need to notify the Department of Work and Pensions that you will be carrying out Permitted Work. Once you have begun Permitted Work it is possible to earn up to the threshold and still claim your benefits.
Supported Permitted Work
This is the same as Permitted Work but requires you to be supported by an organisation such as those listed on this site (see the Contacts page which lists various local/national organisations which may offer the necessary support). Once you have applied for this benefit you may carry out the Permitted Work for an indefinite period.
Further Sources of Information
Buckinghamshire County Council operates a Welfare Benefits service which can provide advice and guidance regarding benefits to Bucks residents. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau’s website contains more detailed information on benefits for people who are sick or who have a disability. There is also a Benefits Enquiry Line phone number: 0800 88 22 00. This is a Department of Work and Pensions helpline aimed at providing advice and guidance on benefits for people with disabilities and their carers.
