Menu
21/04/2023
Alliance Calls For Free Health Benefits For UC Claimants
The Alliance Party has called for action to allow Universal Credit claimants in Northern Ireland to access free dental treatment and sights tests, in line with the rest of the UK.
Currently, people on UC in NI have to apply to access help with dental treatment, sight tests, glasses or contact lenses, or travel to hospital using form HC1. Whereas in the rest of the UK, this is an automatic entitlement.
Kellie Armstrong MLA has called on the Departments for Health and Communities to bring forward legislation to bring NI in line with the rest of the UK.
Kellie Armstrong said: "Many people in NI do not realise they have to complete HC1. With the increase in the number of people in work needing support through Universal Credit, there should be a more streamlined way to access support with health costs. The current system here still requires the claimant to know how to fill out a form, which form to use and submit to a Jobs and Benefits office for processing.
"I have to ask why NI still has a time consuming process in place when it's an automatic system elsewhere in the UK.
"With the 'Move to UC' phase coming later this year, the Department for Communities staff will be under pressure to transfer many people over to Universal Credit. Enabling claimants to automatically be awarded help with health services, will reduce pressure on the civil service while removing unnecessary red tape."
Currently, people on UC in NI have to apply to access help with dental treatment, sight tests, glasses or contact lenses, or travel to hospital using form HC1. Whereas in the rest of the UK, this is an automatic entitlement.
Kellie Armstrong MLA has called on the Departments for Health and Communities to bring forward legislation to bring NI in line with the rest of the UK.
Kellie Armstrong said: "Many people in NI do not realise they have to complete HC1. With the increase in the number of people in work needing support through Universal Credit, there should be a more streamlined way to access support with health costs. The current system here still requires the claimant to know how to fill out a form, which form to use and submit to a Jobs and Benefits office for processing.
"I have to ask why NI still has a time consuming process in place when it's an automatic system elsewhere in the UK.
"With the 'Move to UC' phase coming later this year, the Department for Communities staff will be under pressure to transfer many people over to Universal Credit. Enabling claimants to automatically be awarded help with health services, will reduce pressure on the civil service while removing unnecessary red tape."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
11 November 2022
People In NI 'Most Pessimistic' In The UK
People in Northern Ireland are among the most pessimistic in the UK about the outlook for the future, with a high percentage of citizens expecting both the cost of living crisis and NHS waiting lists to get worse in the next few years, according to a new report released in Northern Ireland today by Deloitte.
People In NI 'Most Pessimistic' In The UK
People in Northern Ireland are among the most pessimistic in the UK about the outlook for the future, with a high percentage of citizens expecting both the cost of living crisis and NHS waiting lists to get worse in the next few years, according to a new report released in Northern Ireland today by Deloitte.
11 September 2014
NI People Struggle More Financially Than The Rest Of The UK
People in Northern Ireland are struggling financially more than people in the rest of the UK, according to new figures released by a debt charity. In the first six months of 2014, StepChange helped 1,981 people in Northern Ireland, who were facing average unsecured debt levels of £18,360.
NI People Struggle More Financially Than The Rest Of The UK
People in Northern Ireland are struggling financially more than people in the rest of the UK, according to new figures released by a debt charity. In the first six months of 2014, StepChange helped 1,981 people in Northern Ireland, who were facing average unsecured debt levels of £18,360.
26 September 2024
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
PHA Makes Accessing Contraception Easier On World Contraception Day
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the importance of informed choices in sexual and reproductive health. They're reminding residents of Northern Ireland about the various resources available to easily access contraception and learn about different methods.
21 July 2022
Health Minister Praises Work Of New Ballymena Youth Facility
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of a newly launched youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.
Health Minister Praises Work Of New Ballymena Youth Facility
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of a newly launched youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
