help

Is incontinence consired to be a disibility, self catherterization. just wondering?I'm reading alot of conflicting things. My wife applied for incapacity and was awarded it but because she hasn't paid enough N.I she wasn't allowed payment. Incontinence and loss of bladder function is jut one of the problems

Hi,

It sounds like there are several different issues here.

Incontinence and problems with stoma devices were relevant to an award of incapacity benefit in the past and are relevant to an award of ESA now.

But the issue of whether a claimant has paid enough NI contributions is entirely separate. No amount of medical issues will make any difference if there are not enough NI contributions for contribution based benefits.

If your wife needs help with managing her incontinence then she may be eligible for disability living allowance.

It sounds like it would be a good idea for your wife to get specific advice from an advice agency about her contribution record, whether she might qualify for any means-tested benefits and about DLA.

Good luck,

Steve