[holding answer 16 September 2009]: The available information is in the following table.
Incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance or income support claimants with permitted workYear ending February each yearNumberProportion (percentage)2003Incapacity benefit10,6000.4Severe disablement allowance1,4000.4Income support600—2004Incapacity benefit27,6001.1Severe disablement allowance6,7002.1Income support500—2005Incapacity benefit31,3001.3Severe disablement allowance7,4002.4Income support600—2006Incapacity benefit35,3001.4Severe disablement allowance8,0002.7Income support600—2007Incapacity benefit39,1001.6Severe disablement allowance8,3003.0Income support600—2008Incapacity benefit40,0001.7Severe disablement allowance8,4003.1Income support800—2009Incapacity benefit39,0001.8Severe disablement allowance8,6003.4Income support600— Notes:1. Figures are produced from 5 per cent. sample data and have been uprated to be in line with the 100 per cent. proportions.2. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 100.3. Proportions are rounded to the nearest 1 decimal place.4. “—” denotes nil or negligible.5. Data not available in respect of employment and support allowance.6. Income support permitted work cases are those where the claimant is disabled and earning less than £20 per week.7. Those claimants with incapacity benefit who are also receiving income support are included in the incapacity benefit figures to avoid double counting.8. Information on permitted work has only been available since the November 2002 quarter.9. Permitted work categories (current rates):a. Permitted Work Lower Level (up to £20 per week for unlimited period).b. Supported Permitted Work (up to £93 per week for unlimited period (*supported)).c. Permitted Work Higher Limit (up to £93 per week and < 16 hours for up to 26 weeks).d. Permitted Work Higher Limit Subsequent (PWHL after 52 week gap (*supported)).e. * The support must be given by a person employed by a public or local authority or voluntary organisation.Source: DWP Information Directorate 5 per cent. sample.