You may be able to get Incapacity Benefit if any of the following apply to you:
or
you must:
Living or working abroad can affect your Incapacity Benefit claim. But you may be able to claim if you’ve either:
You may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit even if you haven’t paid enough National Insurance contributions if the following apply:
If you’re in the Armed Forces or you live and work within the European Economic Area (EEA), you may still be treated as being resident in the UK.
Incapacity Benefit is paid at three weekly rates:
| Weekly rate | Amount | Amount if you're over State Pension age |
|---|---|---|
| short-term (lower rate) |
£59.20 |
£75.35 |
| short-term (higher rate) | £70.05 | £78.50 |
|
long-term basic rate |
£78.50 | - |
You may be able to get extra benefit an 'age addition' with your long-term Incapacity Benefit if you were under 45 when you became too ill or disabled to work.
You may be able to get extra benefit for your partner, civil partner or the person who looks after your children.
Incapacity Benefit is paid into your bank, building society, Post Office® or National Savings account that accepts Direct Payment.
If you’re registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect your money, your payment can be sent by cheque and cashed at the Post Office®.
You can do some types of 'permitted work' and still claim Incapacity Benefit.
But if you get Incapacity Benefit and a wage, this could affect income-related benefits you get like Income Support, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.
When you make a claim for Incapacity Benefit you'll usually have a Personal Capability Assessment.
As part of this, a doctor may recommend that you attend a medical examination.
If you're getting Incapacity Benefit you may be able to do some types of work - within limits. This is called 'Permitted Work'.
You can claim Incapacity Benefit by doing one of the following:
It’s important you contact your local Jobcentre Plus office if your circumstances change - for example if:
For more information, you can contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.
If you’re refused Incapacity Benefit or have questions about your payment, you can ask the office that dealt with your claim to look again at their decision.
If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal.
You may be able to get Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit if you're responsible for at least one child or on a low income.
You can order a claim pack over the phone by calling one of the helplines.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales call 0845 300 3900, textphone 0845 300 3909.
If you live in Northern Ireland call 0845 603 2000, textphone 0845 607 6078.
Lines are open every day from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Or you can pick up a claim pack from your nearest HMRC Enquiry Centre or Jobcentre Plus office.
