Incapacity Benefit
- If SSP has ended or you cannot get SSP
- Not paid if you were over state pension age when you became sick
Have you:
- Paid NI contributions?
- Been sick for at least four days in a row including weekends and Bank Holidays?
If YES to both, claim Incapacity Benefit.
Incapacity Benefit can be paid at three different rates.
Short-term Incapacity Benefit at the lower rate
Paid if you do not get SSP and have been sick for at least four days in a row including weekends and Bank Holidays.
Short-term Incapacity Benefit at the higher rate
Paid if you have been sick for more than 28 weeks and less than 52 weeks.
Long-term Incapacity Benefit
Paid if you have been sick for over 52 weeks.
Special circumstances
- If you became sick before reaching state pension age, you may be able to get Incapacity Benefit after state pension age. It can be paid at the Retirement Pension rate for up to one year of sickness.
- If you get the highest rate care component of DLA or you are terminally ill, you will get Incapacity Benefit paid at the long-term rate after you have been sick for 28 weeks.
- If you get the long-term rate of Incapacity Benefit you may qualify for extra money depending on your age when you became sick.
- If you have children you may be able to get extra money. This extra money can only be paid with short-term Incapacity Benefit at the higher rate or Retirement Pension rate, or with long term Incapacity Benefit.
- If your husband or wife is aged 60 or over, or another adult cares for your children, you may be able to get extra money.
How to claim