Previously, in order to qualify for Incapacity Benefit (IB), people had to satisfy the two National Insurance contribution conditions set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Contributions and Benefits Act:
First, they must have paid either Class 1 (employed) or Class 2 (self-employed) National Insurance contributions, or a combination of both, on earnings equal to at least 25 times the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £66.00 a week) in any one tax year prior to the benefit claim; and
Second, they must have paid, or been credited with, either Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions, or a combination of both, equal to at least 50 times the Lower Earnings Limit in each of the two tax years prior to the benefit year in which they claim IB. A benefit year begins on the first Sunday in January; the tax year starts on 6 April.
Under the Social Security (Credits) Regulations 1975, people can be given credits in a number of circumstances, to help maintain their contribution record. The main effect of credits is to help people qualify for retirement pensions, but they can also count for other benefits. Credits which can count for the purpose of the second contribution condition in IB include credits for weeks of unemployment, incapacity or training, and credits for weeks receiving Invalid Care Allowance or Disabled Person’s Tax Credit.