1. Benefits and Allowances
2011

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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
higher rate

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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