Disabled People Support for Shielding 2021-01-25
2021-01-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled individuals required to shield face financial strain due to inability to work from home and limited furlough support options.
I am concerned about the steps my Department has taken to provide financial support to disabled people who are required to shield during the national lockdown. Many of them cannot work from home and do not qualify for furlough, which leaves them with only statutory sick pay as an option.
People advised to shield and unable to work from home may be furloughed. Those not furloughed can apply for statutory sick pay or new-style employment and support allowance, both payable from day one of a claim. Universal credit eligibility is also an option depending on individual circumstances.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically address the issue of disabled people being disproportionately affected by the lack of furlough availability or sick pay inadequacy
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Many disabled people are still receiving legacy benefits rather than universal credit, missing out on a £20 per week increase.
Disabled individuals on legacy benefits have missed out on the £20 a week universal credit uplift. While the government voted to retain this payment last week, when will they ensure all disabled people get access to it?
We have shown our support through over £9 billion of additional welfare, including annual uprating for those on legacy benefits. Those who would be better off on UC should transfer.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the issue of providing access to the universal credit uplift immediately
Showing Existing Support
Encouraging Voluntary Transfers
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
2.2 million people are required to shield, many of whom cannot work from home or qualify for furlough.
Many disabled individuals must shield but do not meet the criteria for furlough and receive only £95.85 in statutory sick pay per week. What concrete steps will be taken to ensure these people are supported financially?
Statutory sick pay is part of the safety net; other options like new-style ESA or UC may apply. Access to Work has been extended for those working from home, offering additional support and equipment.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or concrete financial aid plan
Providing Existing Options
Mentioning Ongoing Schemes
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Disabled people on legacy benefits like ESA and JSA are missing out on the £20 a week increase given to UC claimants.
The lack of uplift for legacy benefit claimants discriminates against disabled individuals who disproportionately rely on these benefits. When will this discrimination end?
If a claimant could be better off on UC, they should apply for it; since 2010, disability benefits have increased by £3 billion in real terms. This reflects our support record.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to ending discrimination or providing uplift directly
Encouraging Voluntary Transfer
Highlighting Existing Benefit Increases
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Individuals claiming severe disability premium cannot switch to universal credit and face increased costs during the pandemic.
Why are people receiving severe disability premium unable to transfer to universal credit, thus missing out on the £20 a week increase that other recipients benefit from?
The SDP gateway ends soon, allowing claimants to assess if they would be better off on UC. Those with disabilities benefit from annual uprating in DLA, PIP and AA, contributing to the £3 billion real-term increase since 2010.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why SDP claimants cannot switch or what immediate action would be taken
Referencing Upcoming Gateway Changes
Highlighting Other Benefit Increases
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Since the start of the pandemic, shielding individuals have faced increased costs and financial hardship.
Why are people who must shield not furloughed from day one? The current solution of statutory sick pay is insufficient. Will the Government finally ensure that everyone needing to isolate or shield receives guaranteed furlough support?
Furlough, additional £9 billion welfare support and local authority provision of £32 million are available. Certainty is vital; reflecting on random attempts by the opposition to cancel UC may be beneficial.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address furlough guarantee for all shielders directly
Highlighting Existing Schemes
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy