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What is Long Term Incapacity Allowance?

Long Term Incapacity Allowance (LTIA) is a weekly benefit. The amount of benefit you receive is based on an assessment of your physical and mental condition.  

You may work whilst receiving this allowance. 

How do I make a claim?

If you have claimed Short Term Incapacity Allowance for the maximum 364 days you will be sent a form on which to claim Long Term Incapacity Allowance.

If you wish to move from Short Term Incapacity Allowance to Long Term Incapacity Allowance before the 364 days, please contact Social Security for an application form. You will then need to:

• fill in the claim form - please take care to fill in each section and sign your application at the bottom. Not completing the application can lead to delays in processing
• send your completed form to us straight away so that you do not lose benefit

Will I be entitled to claim Long Term Incapacity Allowance? 

We look at the contributions that you have made to see if you will be entitled to LTIA. If you have not made enough contributions it may be that you are not entitled to any benefit.

How to calculate if you are entitled to LTIA

To receive LTIA you must:

• have paid at least 6 months worth of contributions before the end of the relevant quarter
• paid (or have been credited) at least 1 month's contributions in the relevant quarter

The table below shows how to find out the relevant quarter:

How much will I receive?

The standard weekly rate is £184.45 (£26.35 daily rate).

The amount of LTIA that you get will depend on the percentage the medical board doctor gives you.

The full rate is equal to 100%. So if you were awarded 50% for example, you would receive half (50%) of that full rate.

How am I assessed?

You will be asked to attend a medical board which usually consists of 2 doctors. You may give to the medical board any evidence in support of your claim. You will receive a form to give to your doctor advising them of the medical board and asking for any additional information.

The medical board doctors will give you a percentage based on how much they consider your condition affects your day-to-day life (your loss of faculty). They will then set you a review date which is based on when the doctors wish to see you again.

The medical board will not tell you the percentage of your assessment when you attend. You will be told in writing within a few days.

Please note: You must get a percentage of 5% or more to get Long Term Incapacity Allowance.

 Download medical board information leaflet (size 44kb)

What if I am unhappy with my percentage that I am given?

If you are unhappy with the decision on your claim, you may appeal. To do this you must send your appeal in writing along with extra medical evidence or a letter from your doctor backing your decision to appeal.

What if my condition gets worse?

If your condition gets worse before your next review medical board is due, you may ask for a board early. To do this you must send your request in writing along with extra medical evidence or a letter from your doctor confirming your condition has become worse.

Do I still need to hand in medical certificates?

Once you are on Long Term incapacity Allowance you will no longer have to hand in medical certificates.

The only times you need to hand in medical certificates is if:

• you have a flare up in your condition or
• you are hospitalised or receive hospital treatment for your condition

Your claim will be looked at and it may be that your percentage is increased for a short time.

Please note: your doctor may be asked to write a letter explaining you have had a flare up in your condition.

How is Long Term Incapacity Allowance paid?

If you are given a percentage of over 15% then your LTIA will be paid, in advance, 4 four weeks on a Thursday. The payment will be made directly to your back account. If you do not have a bank account, please contact us for advice.

If you are awarded an assessment of between 5% and 15% your money will be paid to you in a lump sum.

Can I claim for my husband / wife or partner?

You can claim an increase in your benefit if your husband / wife or partner is claiming Home Responsibility Protection and is residing with you.

Please note: This increase may be reduced or not payable if your spouse or partner is getting another Social Security benefit in their own right. 

Caring for a child at home - Home Responsibility Protection

Does claiming Long Term Incapacity Allowance affect any of my other benefits?

Two payments from Social Security funds cannot always be made for the same period. It is important that you tell us if you are receiving Social Security benefits from any other country when you complete your claim form. 

What will happen to my contribution record?

Contribution credits may be awarded following your assessment for LTIA. The length of time you receive credits depends on what percentage you get and the medical assessment period.

Please note: You will not be entitled to credits if you have chosen not to pay contributions.

Changes in your circumstances

You must tell us:

• if you change address or your bank account
• in advance if you plan to leave Jersey, telling us the country you are going to visit
• if you go to prison as your benefit cannot be paid for any part of a prison sentence
• if there are any changes in your circumstances that would affect the payment of benefit in respect of your husband / wife or partner