How do I claim Incapacity Benefit?
SC1 form
To claim incapacity benefit you need to fill out form SC1, which is available from:
- local benefit offices
- jobcentre Plus offices
- doctors’ surgeries
- and the website www.dwp.gov.uk.
Personal Capability Assessment form - IB50
You may need to see a doctor to prove that you are unable to work or you will probably have to fill out a questionnaire called the Personal Capability Assessment form (IB50). It is divided into two parts: physical and mental health tests. You should fill out whichever apply to you. If you have physical and mental health problems, fill out both. You should bear in mind that sometimes the side effects of the medication you take may affect your physical health. If you fill out the mental health test you will need medical evidence that you have a mental health condition.
The test is based on a points system. In order to be found incapable of work on mental health grounds, you have to score a minimum of 10 points. Points are awarded based on a set of questions divided into four groups.
Choose all the statements that you think apply to you...
1.) Completion of tasks
a) Cannot answer the telephone and reliably take a message. 2 points
b) Often sits for hours doing nothing. 2 points
c) Cannot concentrate to read a magazine article or follow a radio or television
programme. 1 point
d) Cannot use a telephone book or other directory to find a number. 1 point
e) Mental condition prevents him from undertaking leisure activities previously enjoyed. 1 point
f) Overlooks or forgets the risk posed by domestic appliances or other common
hazards due to poor concentration. 1 point
g) Agitation, confusion or forgetfulness has resulted in potentially dangerous accidents in the last 3 months. 1 point
h) Concentration can only be sustained by prompting. 1 point
2.) Daily living
a) Needs encouragement to get up and dress. 2 points
b) Needs alcohol before midday. 2 points
c) Is frequently distressed at some time of the day due to fluctuation of mood. 1 point
d) Does not care about his appearance and living condition. 1 point
e) Sleep problems interfere with his daytime activities. 1 point
3.) Coping with pressure
a) Mental stress was a factor in making him stop work. 2 points
b) Frequently feel scared or panicky for no obvious reason. 2 points
c) Avoids carrying out routine activities because he is convinced they will prove too tiring or stressful. 1 point
d) Is unable to cope with changes in daily living. 1 point
e) Frequently finds there are so many things to do that he gives up because of fatigue, apathy or disinterest. 1 point
f) Is scared or anxious that work would bring back or worsen his illness. 1 point
4.) Interaction with other people
a) Cannot look after himself without help from others. 2 points
b) Gets upset by ordinary events and it results in disruptive behavioural problems.
2 points
c) Mental problems impair ability to communicate with other people. 2 points
d) Gets irritated by things that would not have bothered him before he became ill. 1 point
e) Prefers to be left alone for 6 hours or more each day. 1 point
f) Is too frightened to go out alone. 1 point
When answering these questions...
Answer these questions in as full an answer as possible. Give details of situations when you have been unable to cope or complete a task. You need to explain if you are able to do something sometimes and not other times. Even if you do not have a phone or you do not socialise, imagine what you would be like if you had to do these tasks.
DWP not satisfied?
If the DWP is still not satisfied you may be offered a medical examination to test your incapacity for work. The medical examiner will probably not ask you the same questions but will ask you questions to assess how your medical condition affects your day-to-day life. They will ask you about everyday activities, experiences, as well as experience of work and training. When you are asked about an activity, think about the difficulties you have and what stops you doing something.
Free guide
