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Northern Ireland views sought on benefit assessment for cancer patients: McCausland

The Department for Social Development is calling for views on how the Work Capability Assessment can be improved to ensure more cancer patients get the support they need.
~ Wednesday, 4 January 2012

The call comes as the Westminster Government announces an informal consultation on revised proposals for how cancer patients should be assessed for Employment and Support Allowance. The Work Capability Assessment is a key part of the assessment process for Employment and Support Allowance claims.

The consultation comes in response to a series of recommendations made by independent healthcare professional, Professor Malcolm Harrington, following discussions with interest groups.

Minister McCausland said: “I welcome the work of Professor Harrington and his continued efforts to ensure that the Work Capability Assessment is fair and transparent.

“I also welcome the fact that the Westminster Government has recognised the serious issues faced by people with cancer and are now inviting comments on their new proposals. It is important that Northern Ireland has its say on the new proposals so I would encourage all interested parties here to put forward their comments and views on this very important topic.

“The new proposals will almost certainly mean that fewer cancer patients will be caused the additional worry of undertaking a healthcare assessment as part of their Work Capability Assessment; instead they may progress into the Support Group where they will receive the highest level of Employment and Support Allowance to help them through what is already a difficult time.

The Minister added: “The Northern Ireland Executive recognises the particular difficulties faced by cancer patients and indeed, has already provided further financial support to this group through the recently announced £23million Fuel Allowance Payment.

“I have no doubt that people who can work should work, but similarly, I believe that those who are unable to work, or who are unable to carry out work-related activity because of their ill-health should not be forced to do so; nor should they be in fear of being forced to do so.

“These proposals could make a difficult time a little easier for those who are having treatment for cancer.”

Any views or comments put forward by respondents in Northern Ireland will be passed to the Department for Work and Pensions for consideration.

An electronic version of the document is available to view or download from the Department’s website at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/wca-effects-of-cancer-treatment-consultation.htm

Alternatively you can send your comments to:

Mary McCartan
Health Assessment Advisor
Department of Social Development
3rd Floor West
Design Centre
39 Corporation Street
Belfast
BT1 3BA

Telephone: (028) 9037 6219, Fax: (028) 9037 6146 or by e-mail to: wcareview@dsdni.gov.uk. The closing date for receipt of comments is Monday, 20 February, 2012.

Notes to editors:

  1. Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It also provides personalised support to those who are able to undertake work-related activity. Employment and Support Allowance gives claimants access to a specially trained Employment Service Adviser and a wide range of further services including employment, training and condition management support. This is to help claimants manage and cope with their illness or disability at work.
  2. Employment and Support Allowance involves a medical assessment called the Work Capability Assessment. This assesses what you can do, rather than what you cannot, and identifies the health-related support a claimant might need.
  3. Media enquiries to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9456 or email . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.