Benefits for people who are ill or disabled

If your ability to work is limited by ill health or disability, you may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance. This allowance has been in effect since October 2008 and replaces both Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity. It is a single benefit.  

Employment and Support Allowance has two components:

• It is a contributory allowance, which has similarities to Incapacity Benefit and means you must have paid the correct National Insurance Contributions.
• It is an income-related allowance, which has similarities to Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity, which is the means-tested element.  

The assessment phase

There are two phases to Employment and Support Allowance. The assessment phase lasts for the first 13 weeks of a new claim (except for those who are terminally ill). During this time you will be expected to undergo a 'work capability assessment' to see if you are eligible to go forward to the main phase and if so, which group you will be placed in.

The main phase

This phase starts from the 14th week and is only for people who have met the criteria of the 'work capability assessment' test. Your assessment will also have identified if you have been placed in the Support or Work-Related Activity group for the main phase of your claim. 

• Support Group - you will be placed in this group if your 'work capability assessment' established that you have a limited capability for work-related activity. This means you do not have to undertake work-related activities and will receive a higher rate of Employment and Support Allowance than people in the Work-Related Activity group. 
• Work-Related Activity Group - if you are placed in this group, you will be expected to meet work-related conditions.

Find out more

For more information, please contact Welfare Benefits Service or Citizens Advice Scotland.