Incapacity Benefit claimants should take great care when completing forms.

Many Incapacity Benefit claimants are having their benefits stopped as the Department for Work and Pensions continue to make incorrect decisions based on reports from Doctors. This is of concern to the Citizens Advice Bureau and other voluntary sector agencies that help with these kind of problems. Government are aware of the problems with SEMA (The company that are contracted to carry out medicals on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions)  (DWP)

Walthamstow Citizens Advice Bureau has seen many clients who have been told they are fit for work but have subsequently won their appeals, proving that they are in fact too sick to work. “Many would love to be able to work but cannot through mental or physical disability,” said Gary Martin of Walthamstow Citizens Advice Bureau.

Problems occur when claimants receive a form called an IB50, this form asks you to explain the difficulties you hsave with many physical task such as walking and sitting in chairs, when people do not fully explain their problems they can be called to attend medical examinations, these usually result in a fit for work decision and can often be undertaken by Doctors with no knowledge of the person they are seeing, with little background detail and the time spent with them it is insufficient to assess their capability for work.

We advise claimants to ensure they fill in the IB50 forms as thoroughly as possible, to seek help from agencies where they can and to attend the medical if requested and fully explain their problems to the Doctor. If found fit for work they should try to get supporting medical evidence from their GP or other health professionals. This can often be difficult, as many Doctors are unaware of the range of problems someone with a disability can face.

There is a one-month time limit to request a reconsideration or appeal and those affected should claim Income Support straight away while they are appealing, although it is reduced by 20% for the duration of the appeal and they would lose the disability premium on their Income Support unless they were found not to be fit for work.

Having Incapacity Benefit stopped can also impact on Housing/Council Tax Benefit as well and Revenue Services should be informed of the change in circumstances to avoid confusion later.

“We have seen lots of people who qualify for other disability benefits as well as helping them win their appeals. This improves their quality of life more than if they had not been found fit for work, so in a way the DWP help with benefit take up,” said Gary.

Disability Living Allowance can be claimed by many people in receipt of Incapacity Benefit who are not advised about it, claim forms can be requested by calling 0800 882200.

Walthamstow CAB, 167 Hoe Street, E17 3AL opening times Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00am to 120 noon.

Advice line 08701 264026.

Leytonstone CAB, 547-551 Leytonstone High Road, E11 3DH: Monday 10-12.30pm, Wednesday 10-12 noon, Thursday 10-12.30pm