§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have had their incapacity benefit stopped in the last 12 months. [79701]
§ Mr. BayleyWhen a claim for Incapacity Benefit is made, entitlement for someone with a recent work record depends on the person satisfying the Own Occupation Test for the first 28 weeks of incapacity. In most cases, this is satisfied by the provision of a GP's medical certificate. After 28 weeks of incapacity, or from the start of the claim if the person has no recent work record, the All Work Test applies (though in both cases benefit continues in payment on the basis of a medical certificate pending a decision under the test).
If a person is found capable of work under either the Own Occupation Test or the All Work Test, Incapacity Benefit is disallowed. The person may however be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance.
During the period 1 March 1998 to 28 February 1999 there were 112.858 disallowances of Incapacity Benefit for the reasons set out.
Reason disallowed Number Failure to provide information 10,563 Failure to attend medical examination 8,587 Found capable of work (All Work Test) 91,038 Found capable of work (Own Occupation Test) 2,670 Notes:
1. It is possible that a person may be disallowed more than once during the period.
2. The figures do not take account of claimants who may appeal against the decision, and may have their benefit reinstated.
3. Figures are taken from a 100 per cent. count of the computer system, and exclude a small number of cases not on the system.
840W
§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will introduce national guidelines to ensure incapacity benefit claimants' eligibility for income support six months after top-up ceases is made known to them by local Benefit Agency offices. [79695]
§ Mr. BayleyThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Andrew Stunell, dated 31 March 1999:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will introduce national guidelines to ensure Incapacity Benefit claimants' eligibility for Income Support (IS) six months after top-up ceases is made known to them by local Benefits Agency offices.The current position is that anyone ceasing to be entitled to IS is given a formal decision which clearly indicates the amount by which their income exceeds the IS threshold.New IB customers also receive leaflets and information on claiming benefit that indicate how their future entitlement could change should they remain incapable of work.I will review existing procedures and information provided to customers to ensure that they receive appropriate advice.I hope that this is helpful.