Frequent questions from health practitioners - May 2011 Sickness Benefit changes
1. What happens if I say my patient can work part-time?
We use the information you provide on the Work Capacity Medical Certificate to help us assess whether a person has the capacity to look for and be available for part-time work, but that’s not the only information we use to make our decision. We also use information from other sources, such as discussions with the client and designated doctor assessments.
If a person is assessed as having capacity to look for and be available for part-time work of at least 15 hours per week, they may have part-time work obligations.
A sickness beneficiary with part-time work obligations must be available for, and take reasonable steps to find suitable work that is at least 15 hours per week. They may also be required to participate in work planning or undertake other work-related activities such as training.
2. Will my patient have to take any job that comes up?
No. We don’t expect people to take a job that is clearly unsuited to their circumstances. We focus on what people can do in order to help them find suitable work and improve their wellbeing. It’s now recognised around the world that suitable work can be good for people’s health and wellbeing and can aid in recovery from illness or injury.
When deciding whether a job is suitable, we consider the person’s individual circumstances, including any restrictions they may have as a result of their medical condition or disability.
3. Will my patient lose their benefit if they can’t get a job?
No. No one with work obligations will be punished for not getting a job, but their benefit may be reduced or stopped if they don’t try to find suitable work that is at least 15 hours per week. They may also be required to participate in work planning or undertake other work-related activities, such as training.
4. Will my patient be financially better off on the Sickness Benefit than on the Unemployment Benefit?
No. There is no difference in the amount a person receives on the Unemployment Benefit or the Sickness Benefit. They are paid at the same rates.
People on either benefit may also get the Disability Allowance and other additional support such as the Accommodation Supplement, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
5. Can Work and Income help my patient find work?
Yes. We don’t expect everyone to find work on their own, and can support people to find suitable work if they need assistance.
We have a range of assistance designed to support clients into work or to undertake training. We also support employers taking on our clients.
We have staff dedicated to working with clients who have a disability or ill health and who want to return to work or undertake training. Part of their role is to profile clients with local employers and offer employment assistance packages to ensure our clients are well supported in any position.
6. Some of the people who need a medical certificate have significant debt with my practice. Is there any help available to pay for this?
Like your other patients, Work and Income clients are responsible for managing their own finances. As such, they are required to pay for the completion of their Sickness Benefit medical certificates, and other costs they incur.
In the early stages of a medical condition most clients will already be consulting their health practitioner regularly. In many cases it will be possible to complete a medical certificate at a regular visit and the number of additional visits should not be significant.
If the client’s medical condition is likely to last at least six months, they may be eligible for a Disability Allowance (DA). If the client qualifies for DA, the costs of having medical certificates completed can be included. DA is paid directly to the client.
7. Where can I get more information?
If you have any further questions about the financial assistance available from Work and Income, or any other types of assistance available to disabled people or people with ill health, please contact your local Work and Income Regional Health and Disability Team.
If you do not have their contact details, please call our general enquiries number 0800 559 009 and one of our Customer Services Representatives will arrange for them to contact you.
If you need more information on resources for practitioners or assistance available from Work and Income, please refer to the Practitioners information
