Few Incapacity Benefit Claimants Unfit To Work Tests Show

Few Benefit Claimants Unfit To Work, Tests Show

PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Only one in 14 people assessed for the new incapacity benefit is entitled to claim the hand-out in the long-term, new figures reveal.

Statistics show 39% of claimants are fit to work, while more than a third drop their application before it is complete.

The Department for Work and Pensions said 17% can do some work with the right help and support.

Only 7% of first-time claimants are deemed too ill to work and are entitled to claim the Employment and Support Allowance having undergone the Government's new assessment.

Work and Pensions Minister Steve Webb said: "These figures show that many people are able to work with the right help. We have strengthened the support now available, tailoring it to individual needs so they can overcome whatever barriers they face.

"Those who cannot work will always receive our unconditional support but for those who can work it's right that they get the help they need to get into employment. We are continuously improving the medical test to ensure that it is as fair and effective as possible."

Under the last government, those claiming benefits because they thought themselves unfit to take up employment were asked to complete a work capability assessment to find out whether they could do a job.

The scheme was piloted in Aberdeen and Burnley in 2008 before being rolled out across the country. Officials have now started assessing those trying to make new claims to see if they are eligible for ESA, which has replaced incapacity benefit.

Under the new assessment, applicants are either judged too ill to work and receive the benefit or are judged well enough to hold down a job and then told to resubmit a benefits application but this time for Jobseeker's Allowance.

The reforms, brought in under the last Government, also include a third category for those whom officials think could do some work if they received the right help and support.

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