§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what criteria in relation to(a) the all work test and (b) incapacity benefit appeals determine entitlement to (i) benefit and (ii) fitness for work in the case of sufferers from angina; and how assessment is carried out. [82555]
§ Mr. BayleyThe All Work Test determines entitlement to all benefits which depend on incapacity for work, including Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid on the basis of incapacity.
The test does not assess the condition itself but focuses on the effects of the condition on the person's ability to carry out a range of work related activities such as walking, lifting and carrying, vision and so on. Factors such as pain, fatigue and stress in carrying out the activities are taken into consideration. The test is satisfied when a set threshold of incapacity is reached.
Some people with specified severe conditions or disabilities (such as blindness) are automatically treated as "incapable of work" and are exempted from taking the all work test. Some people with angina may satisfy one of the conditions for exemption defined in legislation as a progressive impairment of cardio-respiratory function which severely and persistently limits effort tolerance. In some cases the adjudication officer will decide, in the light of medical advice, that the written evidence shows that the test is satisfied. Other claimants will need to undergo a medical examination in order to assess the level of their incapacity.
There are no separate criteria used by appeal tribunals.