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1240/5(4314)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 10th MARCH 2009
Question
Will the Minister inform members what timescales he has targeted in the Income Support (IS) section of the Social Security Department for dealing with the following payments, and what current performance is for each:
- new IS applications and changes ofcircumstance
- special payments
- payments for medical supplies (bandages etc)
- impairmentcomponents
- payments to GPs for additional doctors visits forhouseholds with a HouseholdMedical Account?
Answer
The general target turnaround time for dealing with Income Support applications is one week with a maximum tolerance time of two weeks. In cases of hardship, particularly where accommodation is involved, claims are processed immediately providing all relevant documentation is available.
The current turnaround times for Income Support processing are set out below. Times are measured in working days and do not include the time it takes for the claimant to complete the application form and provide the necessary evidence.
| Performance as at 9/3/09 | Comment |
New applications | Less than 5 working days | Emergency cases are dealt with on the day of the application. |
Change of circumstance | 10 working days | Emergency cases are dealt with on the day of the application. |
Special payments | Less than 5 working days | Emergency cases are dealt with on the day of the application. |
Medical supplies | Less than 5 working days | These are special payments and performance statistics are not recorded separately. Invoices in respect of previous HIE recipients receiving supplies from FNHC are paid on receipt of monthly invoices submitted by FNHC. |
Impairment component | 20 working days | Impairment assessments require a written report from the claimant's doctor. The impairment assessment is kept separate from the main Income Support claim as it is necessarily a more lengthy process. Any impairment component awarded is always backdated to the original date of application. |
Payments to GPs | 3 to 4 working days | Payments to GPs for claimants with an HMA have been incorporated into the normal payment process for GPs. GPs submit details of every patient consultation in batches, according to the administration of their own surgery. |