Menu
10/11/2004
Social Security Agency hit out at cancer benefits criticism
The Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency (SSA), Gerry Keenan, today highlighted work that his agency has been carrying out to assist people suffering from cancer to access their benefits.
He was responding to a report from Macmillan Cancer Relief that stated up to three-quarters of cancer patients suffer from financial hardship and called on the Government to make access to benefits easier.
Mr Keenan said that the SSA was committed to improving services provided to all its customers, including cancer sufferers saying his Agency had worked in close partnership with Macmillan Cancer Relief in Northern Ireland for the past two years.
"The Social Security Agency acknowledges publication of Macmillan Cancer Relief’s survey and the launch of their ‘Better Care’ campaign,” Mr Keenan said. “I am, however, disappointed that today’s media reports, and Macmillan themselves, have not acknowledged the success of our partnership and progress made towards improving public awareness of benefits which people affected by cancer may be entitled to."
Mr Keenan said a member of staff, seconded from the SSA to Macmillan, took forward a project, which has resulted in improved information on benefits for patients and their carers, easier access to experienced Benefits Advisers and an increase in expertise for SSA staff in dealing with clients who have cancer.
Training in cancer awareness and treatment for SSA staff has already started, with plans currently in development to train all 120 decision makers in Disability Living Allowance.
A Benefits Adviser pilot scheme has also been put in place in Antrim and Banbridge Social Security Offices, to provide information, advice and support to people affected by cancer and to all people with an illness or disability and their carers.
(MB/SP)
He was responding to a report from Macmillan Cancer Relief that stated up to three-quarters of cancer patients suffer from financial hardship and called on the Government to make access to benefits easier.
Mr Keenan said that the SSA was committed to improving services provided to all its customers, including cancer sufferers saying his Agency had worked in close partnership with Macmillan Cancer Relief in Northern Ireland for the past two years.
"The Social Security Agency acknowledges publication of Macmillan Cancer Relief’s survey and the launch of their ‘Better Care’ campaign,” Mr Keenan said. “I am, however, disappointed that today’s media reports, and Macmillan themselves, have not acknowledged the success of our partnership and progress made towards improving public awareness of benefits which people affected by cancer may be entitled to."
Mr Keenan said a member of staff, seconded from the SSA to Macmillan, took forward a project, which has resulted in improved information on benefits for patients and their carers, easier access to experienced Benefits Advisers and an increase in expertise for SSA staff in dealing with clients who have cancer.
Training in cancer awareness and treatment for SSA staff has already started, with plans currently in development to train all 120 decision makers in Disability Living Allowance.
A Benefits Adviser pilot scheme has also been put in place in Antrim and Banbridge Social Security Offices, to provide information, advice and support to people affected by cancer and to all people with an illness or disability and their carers.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
-
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.
