06/08/2008 - 3:53pm
As you may be aware all this week in Mexico the World Aids Conference 2008 is taking place.
Terrence Higgins Trust are taking part as you would expect. You can find out how THT are participating by clicking here.
One of the topics being raised is
We thank THT for the mention of this site and for raising this issue as clearly this impacts many countries and their respective HIV communities.
Also this raises the profile of the issues within the UK which we can only welcome.
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Comments
John Hi,
With regards to the question being raised should Benefits for Life? I say YES, knowing now that only 7,300 people affected with HIV accessed DLA in 2005 a 10% of the estimated 78,000 people known to be affected, should be the question be reversed and asked why is the number is so small?
This information can be accessed and confrimed via http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/dla/dla_quarterly_statistics_feb05.asp#ta...
Knowing the current change going on, I should also advise other readers that I have been +ve for 7 years now and was not issued with a DS1500. After years of informing and challenging the DWP decisions, I received High Care & Low Mobility.
It has taken two tribunals to seek clarification and confirmation of the level of assistance that can be provided to people living with HIV as statue from UK Law.
DLA is a NON MEANS TESTED benefit and can be paid to any individual working or not and therefore should not be be review unless circumstances change.
As you know I am awaiting for different responses myself to questions asked.
Yes the amount is small. One of the issues I have is with the erosion of services that are considerate of the unique issues raised by those who live with HIV. Whether it be access to housing, benefits or other support services.
We were a loud minority in the early days of the epidemic. Over the years this has been silenced and HIV has fallen off the domestic agenda in favour of the international agenda. That has allowed out services & voice to become too quiet in recent years. I am as guilty as the next one for allowing others to make the effort and fight.
However, it is the complete unfairness, lack of understanding of the illness and high degree of error. Especially with the DWP that makes living with HIV, in one of the most dynamic and richest countries in the world, where benefits are cut. A life of poverty.
The "Benefits for Life?" is of course the key question for all political parties. No one is advocating that those who can work should be encouraged. However there will always be some for whom work will never be an option. These, the most vulnerable, facing what I can only describe as being "bullied" into further justifying their existence to qualify for income that. In light of rising food and heating prices. Makes the bread line seem further away.
We have had some hits from outside the UK this week.
I am happy to disclosed, information that was provided from the DWP website today, which confirms in Feb 2008 the total number of people affected with HIV/AIDS who claimed and Entiitled to was:
benefit
According to data provided in 2005, this is about a 3.5% drop in the total caseload number. However THT advised that around 78,000 people are known to be affected with in the UK and still this about 0.09% of the affect community claiming DLA.
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