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Incapacity benefit reviews
23 Female
I've been recieving incapacity benefit for about 5 years now, my last medical was in 2005 and the doctor recomended that i be put on long term incapacity benefit, which i am now on.
I've been worrying about my next medical as its always a stressful time but i'm not sure when that will be. Could someone who actually knows and isn't just guessing be able to tell me how often you are reviewed when you recieve long term incapacity benefit.
I thought it was 2 years but so far i've heard nothing, so hopeful someone here will either be on it or be able to ask someone who is.
Thank you xxx
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It's a bit difficult to answer this question without knowing where you live. Most states and the UK have programs called Incapacity Benefits.
I think the best bet for you would be to try and contact the doctor or clinic that did your original assessment, failing that a non-for profit support organization specializing in mental health may be able to advise you. Any sort of support group you are connected with, a social worker or your own family doctor, would probably be able to help you answer this question so you can stop stressing over it.
In the states normally, but not always, an initial assessment for long-term benefits would be provisional and need to be reassessed after a certain time. Since it sounds like you've been in the system for a while, your assessment might have been permanent, in which case you are set up to keep receiving benefits until your pension age.
In the UK they are a bit stricter. If you live in the UK I would suggest you put a good deal of effort into discovering just what assessments you need to have. By and large they expect more medical support and evidence to maintain long term incapacity benefits.
I’m sorry that isn’t quite as precise as you would like, but I hope it helps a bit. If you tell me what state/country you live in in your feedback, I’ll try to get more precise information for you, but never the less, talking to a medical professional or mental health support worker is probably the best way to find out exactly how your personal situation is working.
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Benefits are tricky, but the definition of long-term incapacity benefit is when you have been in receipt of incapacity benefit for over a year.
I assume you have already undergone personal capability assessments, as well as medical tests/certificates covering your initial period of this benefit. This should have happened when your illness extended beyond six months - essentially, it's a very detailed form asking for info about your health and the impact it is having on your life.
At this point, a doctor would also recommend whether to extend your benefit.
Depending on what your specific circumstances are, you may not be required to undergo additional testing. However, you will be required to inform the benefits agency if your situation changes.
I appreciate this is causing you stress, and would suggest you speak to a qualified adviser at your local JobCentre Plus, on the benefits helpline, or at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Benefits can be stressful enough without having additional worry added on top of them!
The Department of Work and Pensions website can give you very detailed info about incapacity benefit, including info about tariff changes based on your situation, your pension, etc.
Best to sort out any questions you have now - while you have the luxury of time on your side - then suddenly be faced with unexpected medical tests or changes to your benefits.
I wish you the best.
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