1/ A recent React study estimated that up to 2 million adults may have had symptoms of Covid for more than 12 weeks, the current criteria for Long Covid.
Ongoing support for Long Covid patients from Johnson’s Govt
unfortunately may lack financial aid such as access to benefits.
Ongoing support for Long Covid patients from Johnson’s Govt
unfortunately may lack financial aid such as access to benefits.
2/Matt Hancock, the health secretary at the time of the React report’s release, said:
“Long Covid can have a lasting & debilitating impact on the lives of those affected…. Cont
“Long Covid can have a lasting & debilitating impact on the lives of those affected…. Cont
3/ Matt Hancock, health secretary at the time of the React report’s release…
“….Studies like this help us to rapidly build our understanding of the impact of the condition & we’re using these findings & other new research to develop support & treatments.”
“….Studies like this help us to rapidly build our understanding of the impact of the condition & we’re using these findings & other new research to develop support & treatments.”
4/For some with Long Covid the symptoms may not be very serious, in others breathlessness & fatigue can be extremely debilitating
Unfortunately, it isn’t clear at this time to what degree Govt support includes payment of benefits
As always, there’s a good chance it’s about cost
Unfortunately, it isn’t clear at this time to what degree Govt support includes payment of benefits
As always, there’s a good chance it’s about cost
5/ Unfortunately, for those with Long Covid, the DWP has complicated matters by refusing FOI requests for Long-Covid guidance issued to PIP & WCA assessors on the grounds that it would “prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs” & may not be in the public interest.
6/ In May the DWP had issued guidance to DLA decision makers on how to deal with awards for Long Covid in children, but that no similar guidance had been published on assessing Long Covid for awards of PIP, ESA or UC.
7/ FOI requests were made to the DWP for the guidance - however, the DWP refused to meet the statutory time-limit for a response, instead giving themselves an extra month before they reply.
8/The DWP’s excuse for refusing to meet the statutory time-limit for a FOI response is
“that the request is, in their view, covered by a specific exemption: Section 36. Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs”
The DWP say they will now respond to our request by 22 July
“that the request is, in their view, covered by a specific exemption: Section 36. Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs”
The DWP say they will now respond to our request by 22 July
9/ The DWP say it has “not yet reached a decision on the balance of the public interest. Due to the need to consider, in all the circumstances of the case, where the balance of the public interest lies in relation to the information that you have requested…
10/ …. the Department will not be able to respond to your request in full within 20 working days”
The DWP say they will now respond to our request by 22 July….
The DWP say they will now respond to our request by 22 July….
11/ It’s odd why the DWP was happy to publish guidance on this subject in relation to children, only a tiny proportion of whom have so far been affected, but withhold it for adults
@benefitsandwork will keep readers informed as and when they get any further response from the DWP
@benefitsandwork will keep readers informed as and when they get any further response from the DWP
@threadreaderapp unroll please
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