2009 Author: Dr Nerys Williams
Dr Williams gives an insight into the recent changes to Incapacity Benefit and Income Support.
From 27 October, Employment and Support Allowance replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers. It is important to highlight that customers currently receiving Incapacity Benefit or Income Support because of an illness or disability will continue to receive their existing benefits, as long as they continue to satisfy the entitlement conditions.
Employment and Support Allowance offers financial help and personalised support for new customers unable to work due to illness or disability. It provides access to a specially trained personal adviser and a wide range of further services designed to help individuals move into suitable work, if and when they are able.
The new allowance builds on the success of ‘Pathways to Work’ programme offering condition management support to help customers manage and cope with their disability in preparation for moving into work. Pathways has helped more than 94,000 people into work since 2003.
Instead of looking at what customers cannot do, Employment and Support Allowance is all about finding out what people can do. For most people, entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance will be assessed through the new ‘Work Capability Assessment’, which will be carried out by an independent healthcare professional. As part of this assessment, customers will be given the opportunity to discuss their views about moving into work, and identify any health-related support needs they may have.
Customers will then join one of two groups.
- The Work-Related Activity Group
for those who have the potential to prepare for work. These customers will attend up to six work-focused interviews to ensure they receive appropriate help and support to prepare for work.
- The Support Group
or those unable to prepare for work, because their condition is too severe. They will receive additional financial support and will not need to actively prepare for work, but can volunteer for appropriate work-related support.
To find out more about Employment and Support Allowance, visit www.dwp.gov.uk/esa (or www.dsdni.gov.uk/esa in Northern Ireland).
Case study
Marilyn Broomfield
Marilyn had been on Incapacity Benefit for 16 years, following a serious back injury during her time as a bus driver. Working with her personal adviser at Jobcentre Plus, Richard, she had worked on an ad-hoc basis in factories.
When Marilyn became well enough to take and pass her driving test again, she wanted to get back into a driving role. After discussions, a new company 'Arrive In Style', agreed to take Marilyn on through the ‘Permitted Work’ option in the ‘Pathways to Work’ programme. This meant that Marilyn could work less than 16 hours and ke...
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