Social protection

In 2008, 2,659,650 people were claiming Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance (1,133, 790 female and 1,525,860 male). The average weekly amount of Incapacity Benefit received was £52.57 (£47.31 for women and £56.25 for men).

In 2008, 2,969.34 people were claiming Disability Living Allowance (with no significant gender difference). The average weekly amount received was £64.43.

In October 2008 the Welfare Reform Act 2007 replaced Incapacity Benefit with a new ‘Employment and Support Allowance' (most people of working age will be expected to engage in some work-related activity.

Rehabilitation and re-training

Preventive health care, medical rehabilitation and therapy are provided free of charge by the National Health Service.

Vocational assessment and rehabilitation, and supported employment (covering workshops and placements) are provided by the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts 1944 and 1958, and the Employment and Training Act 1973. There is similar provision in Northern Ireland.

Allowances are payable during rehabilitation and training.

Preferential employment and quotas

There is no preferential employment quota scheme in the UK

Long-term support and care

No single, discrete long-term care scheme. Care homes for elderly and disabled people provided by local authorities, private and charitable organisations.

Full cost of care benefits for severely disabled people [Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Severe Disablement Allowance (not since 2001)] financed by the State (link to department?.

Non-contributory, state-financed system providing cash benefits and benefits in kind for elderly or disabled persons and their carers.

Local authorities can provide homecare, meals on wheels, assistive aids and equipment, adaptations to the home and attendance at day care centres (or direct payments to enable the person to meet equivalent needs). Direct payments are also available from the national Independent Living (1993) Fund.

Local authorities can arrange admission to a care home. In general, the local authority pays for the accommodation and personal care costs unless the person can afford to pay part or all of the cost. All the direct costs of care from a registered nurse are paid for by the NHS.

Temporary respite care in a care home can be arranged by local authority.