THIS popular weekly column deals with welfare rights issues of interest to people living in Wirral.

This week the topic is about Incapacity Benefit (ICB), and deals specifically with the All Work Test which determines whether you will receive the benefit after 28 weeks. It appears to be a purge to remove people from benefit in Birkenhead at the moment.

THE ALL WORK TEST

The All Work Test will decide if you qualify for benefit. If you are not in one of the exempt categories, then you will be sent a questionnaire which must be completed and returned within the date required. If it is not returned you will be found fit for work and the benefit stopped. The questionnaire mainly deals with the physical difficulties that you have. It does contain some questions about your mental health state. If the answers in the questionnaire do not satisfy the DSS that you are incapable of work, you will be asked to attend a medical.

DESCRIPTORS

You will be asked a number of questions in the form - these are called descriptors. In each of the descriptors there are boxes to be ticked. You must tick the box which relates to the difficulty that you experience for each descriptor. Each box is awarded points, although this is not mentioned in the questionnaire and the amount that you require is not stated on the form either.

HOW MANY POINTS DO I NEED?

If you are to pass the all work test then you must score at least 15 points. If for example you get 14 you are removed from ICB.

FILLING IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Completing the questionnaire is very important and great care must be taken when you complete it. Do not forget that this is your weekly income that we are talking about, and the idea of the form is simply to remove you from the benefit in payment. For a situation as important as this you must get assistance. Now is not the time to listen to people you know or in pubs and clubs.

GETTING ADVICE

There are a number of advice agencies that can help. Many offer free advice, so make enquiries first to establish that they know how to deal with the form. Other organisations make a charge but remember, you only get what you pay for, so ensure the one you contact is an expert in the field. A mistake now could cost you very dear.

NEXT WEEK

Next week deals with the medical examination and filling in the questionnaire.

JIM STRANG'S COMMENTS

If you need to know more about this or any other welfare rights problem, you can write to Jim Strang at Unit 7, 36 Beechwood Drive, Beechwood Estate, Birkenhead, enclosing an SAE, without which you will not get a reply.

If you wish him to act on your behalf, call 606-1188, 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday. Jim Strang now holds a weekly surgery at Property Link Management, 68 Grange Road West, Birkenhead, on Tuesdays from 2pm until 5pm. Interviews are by appointment only. Ring 652-7885 to arrange to see him.

Jim Strang represents clients on a 'no win, no fee' basis. Details are available from him.

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