Contributory Benefit A benefit for those who are 'incapable of work' because of ill-health or disability. Capacity for work after 26 week is assessed on the Personal Capability Assessment and failure rates are high. Paid at one of three rates depending on length of period of incapacity. From April 2001, tighter contribution rules and occupational pensions can be taken into account. People whose Incapacity Benefit is refused on initial claim or is revised and thence stopped have a high success rate on appeal - evidence and careful working through the Personal Capability Assessment is critical to this success.
People can undertake limited work if it is 'therapeutic'.
There is a non contributory version for young people under 25. Contributory Benefit Depends on contribution record of claimant or married partner. Category A - claimant or on partner's NI contributions. Category C - Widowers. Category D - Non contributory if over 80.