Benefits and Allowances 2011

Types of allowance Income related – includes, job seekers, income support, child benefit, tax & housing allowances Disability related – includes SSP, ESA, DLA, AA, carer’s allowance and more Other – SMP, SPP, MA

Social security act 1975 General medical services requirement (1992) to provide certification Certificate is evidence of medical advice regarding capacity for work Allows individual to make a claim for a state benefit

Most Common Certificate types For What Who issues Notes SC1 Up to 7 days incapacity DWP For ESA SC2 Employer For SSP Fmed3 > 7 days until IWCA carried out GP Mat B1 39 weeks, starting 11/52 pre-EDD GP/Midwife For SMP, SPP, MA DS1500 Life expectancy < 6 months DLA/AA @ higher rate

Fit note (Med 3) rules Keep secure Only issue one, mark others DUPLICATE Use ink Should only be completed by a doctor Required after 7 days of incapacity Must assess pt on day or day before issue Can be issued on strength of another’s report. Can be issued following telephone consultation. Opinion based on usual occupation

Advantages to getting patient back to work Improved prognosis Improved job security Encourages positive attitudes at work May be harder for doctor in short term

SSP and ESA Employed people earning >£102 per week entitled to SSP from 8th day Get £81.60 per week from Employer up to 28 weeks ESA is paid if not eligible ESA paid until Independent Work Capability Assessment carried out by DWP

Maternity Mat B Verifies pregnancy and confirms EDD Allows claiming SMP from employer Or MA from DWP if unemployed and eligible SSP

DS1500 Terminal illness If death reasonably expected in the nxt 6months Automatically qualifies them for highest rate DLA/AA Payment expedited

Disability Living Allowance, Attendance & Carers Allowance DLA/AA paid in cases of Physical/Mental disability or both Needs to be severe enough to need help with self care/walking or both < 65 = DLA, >65 = AA Carers Allowance paid to individual >16 yrs old, caring for someone >35 hrs/wk who is in receipt of DLA/AA Higher rate paid in cases of terminally ill