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Employment and Support Allowance
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 City Council website.
In October 2008, Employment and Support Allowance replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.
Employment and Support Allowance involves a medical assessment called the Work Capability Assessment. This assesses what you can do, rather than what you can't do, and identifies the health-related support you might need. Most people claiming Employment and Support Allowance will be expected to take steps to prepare for work, including attending work focused interviews with their personal adviser. Under Employment and Support Allowance, if you have an illness or disability that severely affects your ability to work, you will get increased financial support and will not be expected to prepare for a return to work. You can volunteer to do so at any point if you want to.
How it works
Employment and Support Allowance consists of two phases:
- the assessment phase, which lasts for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability Assessment. During this phase, Employment and Support Allowance is paid at a basic rate.
- the main phase, which starts from week 14 of your claim if the Work Capability Assessment shows that your illness or disability does limit your ability to work. During this phase, an additional amount (called a component) is paid on top of the basic rate.
For further information, including how to apply and the current rates, visit the Directgov website.
You can talk to someone about all of the benefits you may be entitled to at an independent advice service. You can find your local advice service on the Newcastle City Council website.
Other useful information
Jobcentre Plus leaflet Employment and Support Allowance – Help if you are ill or disabled
Contact Information
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 January 5, 2012 8:10 pm
