Families affected by terminal illness to have easier access to income support

Tuesday, 8 April 2025 16:16

The Minister for Social Security wants to cut down on bureaucracy, getting people help in a 'much quicker and efficient way'.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham is proposing an amendment to the way income support is given to islanders with terminal illnesses to ensure they do not face more hurdles at a difficult time.

The Social Security Minister wants to make it easier for people with a terminal condition to access the highest level of medical components for income support.

"It's important that people facing this don't have to deal with needless bureaucracy.

"At the moment, there is an application-based process and more paperwork."

Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham

The change means that clinicians making terminal diagnoses can provide islanders with the relevant information to give to the Social Security Department, which can process claims faster, mirroring the process in the UK.

Deputy Feltham believes it will also make things easier for medical professionals because they know the UK process Jersey will replicate.

"The most important thing is that when people are in a situation where they are receiving a terminal diagnosis, we are making it as easy as possible for them to access what they need.

"This will also allow family members who may be caring for somebody with a terminal diagnosis to access Home Carers Allowance."

Income support is means-tested, as it is tax-funded, and the Home Care Allowance is funded by the Social Security Fund.