This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.
Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
WQ.31/2024
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2024 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2024
Question
“Further to the high-level review of benefits completed in 2023, will the Minister detail any gaps identified and overlaps between incapacity and impairment awards and their assessment tests; and explain what progress, if any, is being made in implementing any necessary changes?”
Answer
The high-level review completed by the previous Minister did not include an examination of any gaps or overlaps between incapacity and impairment awards and their assessment tests. In response to WQ.152/2023, the previous Minister for Social Security noted that “A separate and detailed review of incapacity benefits is underway with actions planned for later this year."
In terms of contributory incapacity benefits, Members will be aware that the first outcome of the incapacity benefit review was the new WorkWell service which was launched last year, providing working age people who are receiving short term incapacity allowance with support to help them to return to work. Planned work for 2024 includes a comprehensive review of the long-term incapacity allowance (LTIA) system, including the assessment tests used. This work is now underway.
Impairment awards are made under Income Support legislation. No work is currently planned in 2024 but the assessment tests used in this area will be considered as part of the development of a more modern assessment process for LTIA. This will include addressing any issues with gaps and overlaps between the two systems as the work progresses.