If you’re unable to work due to illness or because you’re isolating due to Coronavirus (or because you’re caring for your child who has Coronavirus) you may be entitled to incapacity-related social security benefits as described below:-
- If you’ve paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions in the relevant income tax years (normally 2018/19 and 2019/20) you may qualify for the contribution based Incapacity Benefit. This is normally payable irrespective of your means. If your incapacity for work or isolation begins on or after Sunday 18 July 2021 Incapacity Benefit will be payable to you at the flat rate of £230 a week for the first 2 weeks you’re off work and (if your absence from work lasts for more than 14 days) £86.55 a week thereafter.
- If you don’t qualify for the contribution based Incapacity Benefit, or you do but Incapacity Benefit is not enough for you to live on, you may qualify for Income Support. Entitlement to Income Support isn’t dependent on your having paid NI contributions, but it is means tested. The amount of Income Support that may be payable to you depends on your circumstances including the make-up of your household, your housing costs, any additional needs you may have such as disabilities or caring responsibilities, and your income and capital. If you have a partner, your partner’s income and capital will also be taken into account. If you have a partner who works for 24 or more hours a week you won’t be eligible for Income Support (but you may be eligible for Employed Person’s Allowance).
You may get Incapacity Benefit only, Income Support only or both Incapacity Benefit and Income Support at the same time, depending on your circumstances and your National Insurance record.
To claim Incapacity a person you must complete a form SC1 which you can download from here, or you can get one from a social security office or by calling the Incapacity Benefits team on 685108 or 685109.
To claim Income Support you must also complete a form A2. which you can download from here, or you can get one from a social security office or by calling the Income Support team on 685094.
You don’t need to get a sick note from your doctor to support your claim unless your incapacity for work or isolation lasts for more than 21 days.