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Blow for sickness benefit claimants
donaldtramp
Posts: 761 Forumite
Financial Times.....
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ad4da1c-6...44feabdc0.html
More than two-thirds of applicants for sickness benefits are being rejected under a new testing regime, casting doubt on the validity of 2.6m existing claimants deemed unfit for work.
According to data seen by several welfare industry figures, up to 90 per cent of applicants are being judged able to work in some regions and placed on unemployment rolls rather than long-term ill-health benefits.
The results, yet to be officially confirmed, offer an incoming government next year the chance to cut a £175bn budget deficit by forcing the long-term sick to seek work. A three-year programme starting in 2010 will subject 2.6m incapacity benefit claimants to the new work capability assessment.
Every person returning to work would reduce the £12.5bn total bill of incapacity benefit and start to pay some income tax and national insurance.
Initial results from the new test imply the bar for sickness benefits is at its highest level for decades. About 65 per cent of applications for incapacity benefit were approved until it was replaced last autumn – suggesting the chances of passing and failing have been reversed under the new ill-health benefit, the “employment and support allowance”.
The unofficial test results are the first strong sign the latest reforms are having a big impact, at least in terms of how new benefit claimants are classified.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ad4da1c-6...44feabdc0.html
Overshadowing all these policy issues is a political dilemma, which some see as the root cause of Britain’s sickness benefit problems. The number of incapacity benefit claims ballooned from 700,000 in the 1970s to 2.6m today, in part because it was politically convenient to remove people from the unemployment roll.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ad4da1c-6...44feabdc0.html
More than two-thirds of applicants for sickness benefits are being rejected under a new testing regime, casting doubt on the validity of 2.6m existing claimants deemed unfit for work.
According to data seen by several welfare industry figures, up to 90 per cent of applicants are being judged able to work in some regions and placed on unemployment rolls rather than long-term ill-health benefits.
The results, yet to be officially confirmed, offer an incoming government next year the chance to cut a £175bn budget deficit by forcing the long-term sick to seek work. A three-year programme starting in 2010 will subject 2.6m incapacity benefit claimants to the new work capability assessment.
Every person returning to work would reduce the £12.5bn total bill of incapacity benefit and start to pay some income tax and national insurance.
Initial results from the new test imply the bar for sickness benefits is at its highest level for decades. About 65 per cent of applications for incapacity benefit were approved until it was replaced last autumn – suggesting the chances of passing and failing have been reversed under the new ill-health benefit, the “employment and support allowance”.
The unofficial test results are the first strong sign the latest reforms are having a big impact, at least in terms of how new benefit claimants are classified.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0ad4da1c-6...44feabdc0.html
Overshadowing all these policy issues is a political dilemma, which some see as the root cause of Britain’s sickness benefit problems. The number of incapacity benefit claims ballooned from 700,000 in the 1970s to 2.6m today, in part because it was politically convenient to remove people from the unemployment roll.
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Comments
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In what way is 90% of claimants being able to work a 'blow'? This is wonderful news that gives Peter Popoff* a run for his money.
* Hang on, I'm arguing against myself, there. Peter Popoff is a charlatan. Forget I mentioned him.0 -
This thread needs moving to DT.Gone ... or have I?0
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There's already one on DT.Unless I say otherwise 'you' means the general you not you specifically.0
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I think it's a step forward myself....
I sit back and wait for the comments on this one.Be happy, it's the greatest wealth
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Why DT?
It's information for benefits claimants. Nothing has been said one way or the other.
The story was in the Financial Times:rolleyes:0 -
This section is for benefit advice not benefit discussion, that's what discussion time is for no matter where you read itdonaldtramp wrote: »Why DT?
It's information for benefits claimants. Nothing has been said one way or the other.
The story was in the Financial Times:rolleyes:
Hit the snitch button!member #1 of the official warning clique.
:j:D
Feel the love baby!0 -
I note that the OP has omitted his comments from the thread he has started on the 'Debate House Prices ...' board:donaldtramp wrote: »Went up from 700,000 to 2.6 MILLION?
Under the new test, up to 90% are judged fit too work. Whereas 65% were approved before the test came in!!
Politically easier to keep the underclass quiet than dealing with it Eh?
Glad to see change sweeping through. Lets get these wasters out and trying to provide for themselves.
What has all of this done to Britains financial standing?
I hate to think how many wasters have been living off our tax in the last wasted decade though....
I am surprised that he has taken the time to post on the Benefits board, considering this is a place specifically aimed at helping the underclass. :rolleyes:Gone ... or have I?0 -
Going to be a bit of a catch 22 situation for some of us. If i were to be forced back into work it would most likely make my condition work rendering me unable to work (or put me in hospital).
Not to mention this news is making me even more paranoid and really puts me off applying for help
This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
Stories like this are part of the reason I joined ESA.
Too many 'sick' people never working again. I've been sick most my life and never stopped. Get on with it!!!0
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