Incapacity benefits claimants are actively encouraged to do part-time work through the permitted work rules.
Any claimant is able to do some work providing their earnings do not exceed £20 a week.
People who are exempt from the personal capability assessment, or those who work as part of a hospital treatment programme, or those who work with supervision by a public or local authority or a voluntary organisation which finds or provides work for people with disabilities, can do permitted work for an unlimited period if their earnings do not exceed £88.50 a week.
People who may be able to return to full-time work are encouraged to attempt work by a further rule which allows people to work for up to 52 weeks providing earnings do not exceed £88.50 and the work lasts less than 16 hours weekly.
Jobcentre Plus provides a number of specialist programmes and services which support incapacity benefits claimants to move into paid work. These include Pathways to Work, New Deal for Disabled People, Access to Work, Work Preparation, Residential Training, Workstep (a programme of supported employment) and the Job Introduction Scheme. The Return to Work Credit offers eligible customers, in Pathways to Work areas, who find work of at least 16 hours a week, a weekly payment of £40 for up to 52 weeks if their gross annual earnings are below £15,000. Disability employment advisers and incapacity benefit personal advisers provide advice and support for people looking for work.