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33% of People on UK Incapacity Benefits Capable of Working

Published: 2013/02/03 - Updated: 2022/02/19
Author: U.K. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - Contact: gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
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Synopsis: Nearly a third of UK people on the old incapacity benefits have been found to be capable of some form of work since reassessment began. Just over two thirds of people who were claiming the old incapacity benefits are eligible for Employment and Support Allowance, with 27% put in the support group where they get unconditional support as they are too ill or disabled to work. The Work Program is designed to help people like those who are reassessed and found fit for work. It offers longer term support over two years for people who are furthest away from the jobs market and who need the most help to eventually move into work.

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Main Digest

Over 603,000 people on incapacity benefits have been reassessed since 2010 with nearly one in every three - almost 180,000 people - now no longer eligible for sickness benefits. They will now get long term help from Jobcentre Plus and the Work Program to find a job which is right for them.

Nearly a third of people on the old incapacity benefits have been found to be capable of some form of work since reassessment began, figures published 29 January 2013 show.

Just over two thirds of people who were claiming the old incapacity benefits are eligible for Employment and Support Allowance, with 27% put in the support group where they get unconditional support as they are too ill or disabled to work.

A further 41% were put in the Work Related Activity Group, meaning they are currently too ill or disabled to work and entitled to the benefit, but will be expected to take steps towards an eventual return to work when they are able.

The Department is now more than half way through the reassessment of 1.5m incapacity benefits claimants through the Work Capability Assessment, although today's figures only show the outcome of those cases up to May 2012.

Mark Hoban, Minister for Employment, said:

"Now we are over half way through the reassessment process it is clear that the old system condemned tens of thousands of people to a life on benefits with little help to move back to work. Now people who can work will be given help to find a job, while those who need unconditional support will get it. Getting the Work Capability Assessment right first time is my absolute priority and we have made considerable improvements to the process to ensure it is as fair and accurate as possible."

Outcomes of initial assessments (adjusted to account for outcomes after appeals) for incapacity benefits claimants referred for reassessment between October 2010 and May 2012 show:

The Work Program is designed to help people like those who are reassessed and found fit for work. It offers longer term support over two years for people who are furthest away from the jobs market and who need the most help to eventually move into work.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed article relating to our UK Disability Employment section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "33% of People on UK Incapacity Benefits Capable of Working" was originally written by U.K. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and published by Disabled-World.com on 2013/02/03 (Updated: 2022/02/19). Should you require further information or clarification, U.K. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can be contacted at gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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Cite This Page (APA): U.K. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). (2013, February 3). 33% of People on UK Incapacity Benefits Capable of Working. Disabled World. Retrieved October 4, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/employment/uk/capable.php

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