Lisa Power from the Terrence Higgins Trust attended the KVN Forum this evening to brief us on the activities of THT with respect to the DLA review.
Thank you to Lisa for providing us with this data.
As of the 30 May 2008 - this relates to HIV cases.
1477 claims had been cleared by the DWP.
882 claims had been reduced or disallowed.
141 claims had been re-reviewed. Of these 99 had been cleared and of those 45 had the original decision overturned.
114 claims had been appealed. Of these 54 had been cleared. 51 had been "lapsed" ( this means the DWP changed their original decision before the appeal hearing ) & 1 decision was overturned.
The term "cleared" refers to claims that have been processed. The difference between for example the 141 claims for re-review and the 99 cleared are those that are still being processed at the time the information was made available.
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Stats
So are the DWP running behind schedule with processing claims then as at the meeting with NAM/THT at the end of January they hoped to have processed more by the middle of the year?
Secondly the stats are confusing. Are they saying that out of the 1482 cleared and taking into account the 882 claims reduced or disallowed that only 600 people are receiving the same level of benefit now?
Reply.
Given the feed back I receive there are still many claims being processed and some people are still expecting their initial letter so I think it is fair to say they are behind. We also know that some of the delay is down to the Consultants having to deal with a huge amount of medical reports for the DWP.
I related the figures as they were given. Yes the balance 1477-882 = 595 where it has remained the same.
If this changes I will post accordingly.
whilst I welcome that figure
whilst I welcome that figure of the number of people keeping their benefits at the same level, it is still less than half of the total number assessed to date who are now facing an uncertain future living on less money whilst their needs still remain the same.
Reply.
Yes some of the conversation centred around the lack of support services for those who would be forced back into the work place. We pressed THT to make the case for those who will face issues here and those who will just try and exist on less money. I also mentioned the Pathways to Work program for which Ann McGuire the minister for the disabled was due to report back to the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV (APPG HIV) about but as yet has not.
THT mentioned that the Jobcentre had been in touch to ask for additional training on dealing with people with HIV. However many will not, for reasons of stigma, want to engage with them.
Moving forward clearly there are more stands that need to be focused on from a campaigning viewpoint. We have started this by engaging with the (APPG HIV) as do many other organisations.
We continue to work with all groups and people who share our common fight on these issues. We do so on all fronts resources permitting. The HIV community must come together and mobilise, regardless of old behaviours and divisions, as clearly the KEY concern here are those who are facing an uncertain future.
I should note. Those who have received a good decision on this round of review. Should not take any false hope from it. As Lisa mentioned, ministers from all parties are keen on regular review of benefits. So now is the time to maintain your personal interest to ensure that your voice remains part of the cause moving forward for equitable and fair reviews for the HIV community.
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