Incapacity Benefit & Carers
Incapacity Benefit is for people unable to work due to health problems. Entitlement depends on a clients National Insurance contribution record and on the client being able to prove that they are incapable of work. Even where the contribution condition is not satisfied it may be worth submitting a claim to Incapacity Benefit as it may lead to an increased award of Income Support or Housing and Council Tax Benefits.
Statutory Sick Pay - is payable by employers for the first 28 weeks of a clients' absence from work due to illness.
Disability Living Allowance - is paid to those who have physical difficulties with walking or require guidance or supervision to be able to walk outdoors or require attention in respect of care tasks or supervision to avoid harm to themselves or others. DLA has two components (mobility and care) which can be paid at a variety of rates. It is not a means tested benefit and is paid in addition to any other benefits that the client is entitled to.
Attendance Allowance - is for those who need assistance with personal care tasks or supervision to avoid danger to themselves or others and are over the age of 65. Attendance Allowance is not a means tested benefit either and is paid in addition to all other benefits.
Carers Allowance - is payable to those who spend 35 hours or more a week caring for a person who gets either DLA (at middle or high rate of the care component) or Attendance Allowance.