Incapacity Benefit, paid because of an illness or disability,
has been replaced with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for
new claimants only. If you already receive Incapacity Benefit, you
will continue to receive it. See below for information about
ESA.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a new benefit paid to
people who are not able to work due to ill health or disability.
From October 2008 it replaced Incapacity Benefit, Income support
(if you are paid it due to ill health or disability and severe
disablement allowance.
To find out if you are eligible,
click here.
The amount you get paid depends on your circumstances and the
effect your disability or illness has on your ability to do work.
The maximum you may be eligible to is around £99.85* per
week.
When a person claims ESA, they enter a 13-week assessment phase.
This applies to all new ESA claimants with the exception of those
who are terminally ill. During the assessment phase, you undergo a
work capability assessment which will determine whether you are
entitled to ESA.
The Directgov website has lots of information about ESA and how
to apply -
click here.
*Correct as of 8 August 2011
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance is a tax-free benefit for disabled
children and adults under 65 to help with extra costs you may have
because you have a disability. It is not based on your disability
but what you need because you are disabled. For example, if you may
need someone to help you get washed, dressed, take medicines, help
when you go outdoors or help with preparing meals.
If your asthma affects your care or mobility you may be able to
apply for this.
- Who can get Disability Living Allowance?
You may get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if:
• you have a physical disability (including a sensory
disability, such as blindness) or mental disability (including
learning disabilities), or both
• your disability is severe enough for you to need help
caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or
someone else's safety, or you have walking difficulties, or
both
• If you have claimed and been awarded Disability Living
Allowance before your 65th birthday, the benefit will continue to
be paid when you are 65 and over.
Normally, you must have had these care or supervision needs or
walking difficulties for at least three months and they are likely
to continue for at least a further six months.
You can get DLA whether you work or not. Whether you can get DLA
and the amount you get is based on your current needs and
circumstances. DLA is also divided into two components called a
care component and a mobility component of which you might be
eligible for both or just for one.
For more information, or to request a claim pack, call the
Department for Work and Pensions enquiry line for carers and
disabled people on 0800 88 22 00 or claim online at direct.gov.uk
For support and information:
The DLA forms can sometimes appear complicated and you may
require assistance to complete them. You can obtain further help
from:
