Menu
21/11/2018
Disability Claimants Being Let Down By Stormont Deadlock - SDLP
SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Nichola Mallon has said that people in Northern Ireland with disabilities are being "sorely let down" by the current political deadlock.
It follows the response issued by the Department for Communities regarding the independent report of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process by Walter Rader.
The Department opted to reject the recommendations it was given.
The north Belfast MLA explained that those affected have been waiting for five months, in desperate hope that the Department would heed their concerns, as highlighted by Mr Rader.
She said the recommendations were far from radical, but "sensible proposals aimed at bringing a greater degree of transparency and compassion to the PIP assessment process".
"The rejection of the suggestion of enhanced training for assessors is hard to fathom," she added.
"It is also unacceptable to simply dismiss the recommendation for removal of the arbitrary six month life expectancy rule because there is no Minister in place when the SDLP organised and submitted a letter of support for this change signed by all of the five main parties," the former Mayor of Belfast added.
She also called on the Department to carry out research to allow an incoming minister to implement this change urgently.
"No one with a terminal illness should have to spend the limited time they have left going through an intrusive face to face PIP assessment and waiting up to three months to know whether they will get a payment or not."
The heart of the situation, according to Mrs Mallon, is that people continue to be failed by the DUP and Sinn Fein who "after jointly handing welfare powers back to the Tories", allow vulnerable citizens to suffer while remaining locked in a political standoff.
(JG/CM)
It follows the response issued by the Department for Communities regarding the independent report of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process by Walter Rader.
The Department opted to reject the recommendations it was given.
The north Belfast MLA explained that those affected have been waiting for five months, in desperate hope that the Department would heed their concerns, as highlighted by Mr Rader.
She said the recommendations were far from radical, but "sensible proposals aimed at bringing a greater degree of transparency and compassion to the PIP assessment process".
"The rejection of the suggestion of enhanced training for assessors is hard to fathom," she added.
"It is also unacceptable to simply dismiss the recommendation for removal of the arbitrary six month life expectancy rule because there is no Minister in place when the SDLP organised and submitted a letter of support for this change signed by all of the five main parties," the former Mayor of Belfast added.
She also called on the Department to carry out research to allow an incoming minister to implement this change urgently.
"No one with a terminal illness should have to spend the limited time they have left going through an intrusive face to face PIP assessment and waiting up to three months to know whether they will get a payment or not."
The heart of the situation, according to Mrs Mallon, is that people continue to be failed by the DUP and Sinn Fein who "after jointly handing welfare powers back to the Tories", allow vulnerable citizens to suffer while remaining locked in a political standoff.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2018
SDLP Calls For Further Progress On Controversial PIP Assessment Process
The SDLP's Deputy Leader has called for an urgent meeting with the Department for Communities to obtain an update on the actions being taken to correct the "unfair" PIP assessment process.
SDLP Calls For Further Progress On Controversial PIP Assessment Process
The SDLP's Deputy Leader has called for an urgent meeting with the Department for Communities to obtain an update on the actions being taken to correct the "unfair" PIP assessment process.
05 March 2019
7,500 NI Pensioners Spared From PIP Assessment Reviews
Over seven thousand pensioners from Northern Ireland will no longer have to undergo repeat assessments for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit.
7,500 NI Pensioners Spared From PIP Assessment Reviews
Over seven thousand pensioners from Northern Ireland will no longer have to undergo repeat assessments for their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit.
15 November 2019
PIP Assessments Causing Hardship For MS Patients
An Alliance Councillor has said assessments for Personal Independence Payments have caused great hardship and distress for people living with multiple sclerosis.
PIP Assessments Causing Hardship For MS Patients
An Alliance Councillor has said assessments for Personal Independence Payments have caused great hardship and distress for people living with multiple sclerosis.
22 January 2019
Watchdog To Launch Probe Into PIP Benefit System
The Public Services Ombudsman has proposed an investigation into how the Northern Ireland government is handling the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit. PIPs replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2016 and subjected all claimants to an official review of their payments while switching benefits.
Watchdog To Launch Probe Into PIP Benefit System
The Public Services Ombudsman has proposed an investigation into how the Northern Ireland government is handling the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit. PIPs replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2016 and subjected all claimants to an official review of their payments while switching benefits.
24 July 2024
Govt Urged To Ditch Tory Proposals On PIP Reforms
Alliance has called on the Labour government to "ditch punitive Tory proposals" on reforming Personal Independent Payments (PIP) and create a system that treats claimants with dignity.
Govt Urged To Ditch Tory Proposals On PIP Reforms
Alliance has called on the Labour government to "ditch punitive Tory proposals" on reforming Personal Independent Payments (PIP) and create a system that treats claimants with dignity.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
