parts of the benefit system are changing – getting better!!

1. parts of the benefit system are changing – getting better!! Judy Scott independent consultant

2. why are people with ill-health or disability nervous about trying part-time work or training?

3. Are people you work with in receipt of benefits because of ill-health or disability? Last year Welfare Reform Bill brought in new benefit for people making a claim because of ill-health or disability: The Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for people whose ‘condition limits ability to work’ All new claims for ESA from October 2008 Most people on ESA work related A small percentage of severely disabled people on ESA support group People who receive • Incapacity Benefit • Sever Disablement Allowance • Income Support for incapacity stay on these benefits until DWP moves them over to ESA Benefit rules correct July 2009

4. What is different about the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)? It is more difficult to qualify for ESA(than incapacity benefits) if you have physical problems. It is probably slightly easier to qualify for ESA (than incapacity benefits) if you have mental health problems or a learning disability Four benefits – one name ESA work related income based ESA work related contribution based ESA support group income based ESA support group contribution based New attitude: ESA is for people whose ability to work is limited by ill-health or disability Work capability assessment: Includes looking at barriers to work and support you could receive to move towards work - this is compulsory Assessment period 13 weeks AND People in receipt of ESA income based can earn and keep £92 a week for a year! Even housing benefits are not affected. benefit rules correct July 2009

5. Permitted Work rules from April 2010 Permitted Work higher limit People in receipt of: • Incapacity Benefit • Severe Disablement Allowance • Employment and Support Allowance: income based and contribution based will all be allowed to earn up to £92 a week and keep it !!!! benefit will not be reduced Housing Benefit will not be reduced For one year only If it is ‘Supported Permitted Work’ or a person is exempt from assessment or a person is on ESA support group may be able to earn and keep £92 a week for as long as they want and stay on benefits If Jobcentre Plus class a service as a ‘sheltered workshop’ everybody on these benefits can use this rule benefit rules correct July 2009

6. How do people use the Permitted Work rule? Is there a chance of being classed as a ‘sheltered workshop’ by Jobcentre Plus? Contact your regional office – local Jobcentre office will direct you. Meet with a senior manager Emphasis on moving off benefits into work Each person must notify Jobcentre Plus that they are (planning) Permitted Work Form PW1 to fill in Get your organisation to write covering letter A year of earning up to £92 a week starts as soon as earn more than £20 in a week Keep diary! benefit rules correct July 2009

7. If people want to try full-time employment off benefits People in receipt of: • Incapacity Benefit • Severe Disablement Allowance • Income Support for incapacity • Employment and Support Allowance: income based and contribution based can all use the benefit linking protection All benefit rates are protected automatically if the linking rule applies for two years After 28 weeks for: • Incapacity Benefit • Severe Disablement Allowance • Income Support for incapacity After 13 weeks for: • Employment and Support Allowance providing GP will sign certificate again judyscottconsult@btinternet.com