TC/1215

Call for benefits speed-up for bomb victims in hardship

SEVERE financial difficulties are being experienced by many of those affected by last month's bomb atrocity, it has been claimed this week. And many could lose Social Security benefits as a result of compensation, claims and money they will receive from the Omagh Memorial Fund.
One local councilor revealed on Thursday that some victims are having to wait several months to receive disability benefits because regulations governing the processing of the applications had not been relaxed.
Mr Johnny McLaughlin who also runs J McLaughlin and Co, consultant and advice agency in Omagh said financial problems for people were only just beginning. And he said he was writing to the Health Minister, Mr. John McFall, and Secretary of State, Dr.Mo Mowlam, to call for a change in the rules so that people will get the money they need as soon as possible.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr. McLaughlin said he had been contacted by over 100 people some of whom had not been injured or bereaved in the bombing, but who had lost their jobs as a result.
While he had high praise for the work being carried out by the local Social Security Agency staff he said regulations had to be changed to allow benefits for those affected by the bomb to be processed more quickly.
"I am writing to the Health Minister and the Secretary of State to ask them to relax the regulations so people can get the money they need immediately, particularly those coming out of hospital," he said.
"No special criteria has been applied with regard to benefits for these people. Allowances are being made for funeral expenses, and these will then be taken out of any compensation given at a later date.
"However, people who have lost limbs, or who are mentally affected, and who can claim Disability Living Allowance, have to wait three months before they can get these benefits.
In need
'People are in need and are not getting there money as quickly as they should,' he claimed. 'They need there money immediately not three months down the line.'
He went on to claim that some people would lose benefits if they received compensation from the Compensation Agency, or from the Omagh Memorial Fund.
He explained, 'You can receive up to £3,000 without losing benefits, but once you go over that, unless you can prove you have money to pay out that will bring you below £3,000 again, you will start to lose benefits, such as Income Support.
'These rules need to be changed and I am lobbying Mr McFall and Mo Mowlan in that respect as well.'
Mr Conor McGale, manager of Omagh independent Advice Centre, said the centre had dealt with up to 100 inquiries over the past three to four weeks from people affected by the bomb. And, aside from the daily one-off queries, they had a current caseload of between 16 and 20 clients needing assistance in the aftermath of last months atrocity, he said.
He added that he felt the centre was just 'skimming the surface' of the problems, as he believed many more people had not yet come forward seeking help.
Call for Benefits Speed-up.
'What we have found is that there were few people coming in in the immediate aftermath of the bomb, but, once the funerals had taken place, reality started setting in.' he said.
In addition to the mourning, people are now faced with having to pay bills, with many not able to return to full-time work. That brings a whole new set of problems, beyond the sense of loss.'
He said it was important that people came forward if they needed help, but they could not be forced to do so.
'Once they do take that first step, we will offer them as much assistance as we can,' he said.
'We have been helping people with applications for benefits, and have had a number of inquiries from those who are without work as a result of the bomb.
Mortgages
'People are experiencing severe financial difficulties - some have fallen behind in their mortgage repayments, others are struggling with travel expenses to and from hospitals in Belfast and Derry to visit relatives.'
He added that a member of staff from the centre had gone to the hospital to carry out benefits checks on to victims.
And he was aware that a number of applications had been made to the Occupational therapist for housing adaptations.
He added, 'Just because someone comes out of hospital does not mean they are able to go back to work. And their partner may not be able to work as they have to act as the carer.
Mr McGale said the centre had worked closely with the local Social Security Agency with regards to benefit applications and the staff there were trying to deal quickly with the applications from people injured by the bomb.
A Spokeswoman for the Social Security agency explained that under the existing rules that all income received was taken into account when dealing with benefit claims.
These include: Income Support, Family Credit, and Job Seekers allowance he said.
He went on 'Capital would include any money people have in the bank, any investments, or money from any source, such as lump sum grants.
'Under the existing regulations, entitlement to certain benefits could be affected by money from sources such as The Memorial Fund.'