SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called for urgent intervention to resolve a discrepancy which removes automatic entitlement to help with healthcare costs for individuals in receipt of Universal Credit.
70,000 people in receipt of income related legacy benefits, currently being migrated to the Universal Credit system will now be required to complete a HC1 form in order to claim help with GOS sight test, glasses and dental treatment.
The discrepancy applies only to Northern Ireland, with automatic entitlement to help with healthcare costs afforded to Universal Credit claimants in England, Scotland and Wales.
Said the Foyle MLA said: “This massive oversight will have a far reaching consequences not least of all to access to healthcare for many vulnerable individuals.
“Those in receipt of income related benefits were automatically eligible for help with healthcare costs including dental treatment, eye tests and vouchers towards glasses.
“However, due to existing UC legislation, these claimants must now complete a HC1 application form and subsequently provide a valid HC2 OR HC3 certificate before they are able to access this support.
“The HC1 is a lengthy, laborious form and the process itself is rather convoluted.
“The HC3 certificate only affords limited support and the nature of the optical vouchers in particular is incredibly complicated.
“It’s extremely unfair that the onus falls to the people to jump through hoops in order to access support to which they are entitled.
“I have significant concerns that this will not only present barriers to low-income households but the process will increase workload, placing further administrative burden on government departments, the Advice Sector and staff at both opticians and dental practices.
“It could see some of society’s most vulnerable people set at a disadvantage and prevented from accessing vital health services.”
Added Mr Durkan: “Furthermore, this disparity in access applies only to the North as automatic entitlement to help with healthcare costs given to UC claimants in Great Britain.
“I’ve written to both the Permanent Secretaries for Communities and of Health, the Department for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State urging action to sort this discrepancy as soon as possible to prevent further confusion for people.
“We knew the move to Universal Credit was coming, yet rather than put plans in place to deal with the fallout, the can was kicked further down the road.
“Ministers refused to act when we had an executive and now the DUPs boycott has prevented intervention to protect people from the harmful impact of Welfare Reform.
“Now people are left navigating a very complex system with the bare minimum support.
“The SDLP warned of the damage Welfare Reform would inflict on people across the North, we voted against its introduction.
“Sadly, everything we’ve seen since has vindicated that position.”
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