Support people who need benefits
I couldn't agree more with the concerns
raised in last month's editorial "HIV dole 'layabouts' - nonsense!"
(PN
September).
But as well as the issues raised, it's important to look at the levels
of benefit available these days to people with HIV. The safety nets for
those medically unable to work are becoming more like cobwebs.
Ten years ago someone newly diagnosed could expect to receive around £100
per week if they couldn't work, through the old Attendance Allowance and
Income Support. With the much stricter regulations that govern the awarding
of DLA now, the most someone can expect to receive is around £75
a week.
The safeguards that have been gradually eroded with DLA are now being
extended to other benefits. Up till now people with HIV have been exempt
from completing the assessment for Incapacity Benefit, saving them a highly
distressful and intrusive medical examination. This exemption is expected
to be scrapped within the next year.
The Social Fund continues to push clients in hardship towards hard-to-repay
crisis loans. Changes to the 'therapeutic work' rules mean that people
with HIV will now only be able to undertake such work if they can "prove"
it will lead to a full-time job.
So yes, I'm glad that more people with HIV are able to re-enter the workforce
due to improving health. But we mustn't forget those that remain unable
to do this. Now, more than ever, we need to support people to get what
help they are entitled to from the benefits system.
Sid Sheehan, Hiv Care Worker, Terrence Higgins
Trust Midlands, Coventry
A letter from Kenya
We appeal to you to publish this in your magazine. We are losing more
than 700 Kenyans daily. More than two million Kenyans are HIV positive,
three million children orphans. They suffer from
page 1 of 3
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complex crisis of poverty, starvation and poor health.
They are stereotyped as unworthy and cursed people by society. Aids and
poverty rob
