Print This Page
Incapacity Benefit
Please note: as an older person, finding out which benefits you may be entitled to, and the impact they may have on other benefits, is not always straightforward. There is a huge amount of information available about benefits, but this can be overwhelming or confusing. We would always advise you to seek advice from an independent Welfare Rights Officer, who will be able to look at your individual situation and guide you through the applications process.
You can find details of local and citywide organisations that provide independent and free benefits advice on the Newcastle Welfare Rights webpages.
Incapacity Benefit is paid to people who are unable to work due to sickness or disability. It is normally based on the amount of National Insurance contributions that you have paid. It is not usually means-tested, but it may be reduced if you have a personal or occupational pension.
From 27 October 2008 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.
There are three rates of Incapacity Benefit, depending on how long you have been unable to work. After one year the rate is £91.40 per week, plus an additional sum if you became unable to work before the age of 45 years old. At state pension age, your entitlement to Incapacity Benefit will stop, and you should draw your State Pension.
You can find out more about Incapacity Benefit on the Directgov website.
You can talk to someone about the benefits you may be entitled to at an independent advice service. You can find your local advice service by contacting Newcastle Welfare Rights Service.
Contact Information
Jobcentre Plus
Telephone : 08000 55 66 88, Minicom : 08000 23 48 88.
Newcastle Welfare Rights Service
Brian Roycroft Centre, The Shopping Centre, Newbiggin Hall Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4BR.
Telephone : 0191 277 2633.
Article last updated December 9, 2011 3:55 pm
