Reblogged from Welfare Weekly, with thanks.
By Natalie Leal
Sanctioned Jobseekers with mental health problems are not classed as ‘vulnerable’ unless they have an accompanying physical health problem, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Use of the controversial sanctions regime, which sees claimants money cut or stopped for up to three years, has rocketed since stricter rules were introduced by the government.
In 2013-14 record numbers of sanctions were imposed, with nearly one in six jobseekers affected, and many fear those with mental health problems are often the hardest hit.
When a claimant has their Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) reduced or stopped they can apply for a hardship payment – up to 60% of their JSA. This can go some way to cover the cost of food and bills while they have no other means of support. Those classed as ‘vulnerable’ can normally claim this vital support immediately, but others may have to wait at least two weeks.
However, those JSA claimants with even the most serious mental health illnesses are not considered vulnerable by DWP; they have to instead wait and go through what could become a lengthy application process.
DWP guidance on hardship payments states: “Requests for hardship payments may be made by people who say they have a mental condition. A person will only be a member of a vulnerable group if the condition causes limitation in functional capacity because of a physical impairment.”
It continues: “It is extremely rare for a mental condition to produce a physical impairment that limits or restricts functional capacity but it can happen.”
For decision makers in any doubt, the guidance goes on to clarify all mental illnesses “without physical impairment”:
Affective disorder
Agoraphobia
Anorexia nervosa
Anxiety
Bipolar Affective disorder
Bulimia nervosa
Depression
Dissociative disorders
Nervous Debility
Neurasthenia
Neurosis
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic attacks
Paranoia
Phobias
Phobic anxiety
Psychoneurosis
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
While those suffering from the most severe mental illnesses are likely to receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), it is estimated that 23% of JSA claimants have a mental health condition.
The remainder of the article can be seen here
Anorexia doesn’t make someone physically impaired? That is so ridiculous – it damages bones, causes internal damage to organs, and can kill
What planet do these cretins live on. ..While the rest of us live on planet earth and live in the real world there on another plane….what do you expect when the scumbag Smith has no empathy with those who suffer the most…THE FIGHT GOES ON. …regards Sandra.