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No Barrett
photo: RNZ/Robin Martin
Government Traffic light system for beneficiaries Taranaki Disability Rights Advocate said the behaviour had created a climate of “fear” and “stress”.
EJ Barrett has Ehlers Danlos syndrome and is on Supported Living Assistance (SLP).
“It’s a collagen disorder, so it affects every system in my body. Name one system and I can tell you at least two that have problems.
“It means my health is really unpredictable. One day I might be able to play with the kids, and tomorrow I might not be able to get out of bed.”
The Ministry of Social Development says nothing will change for SLP recipients under the traffic light system and they will not be required to work. But Barrett disagrees.
“When you click on their link it still says we will be required to do a ‘feasibility assessment’ to assess whether we need to be ready for work.
“It seems unfair in many ways that we have to go through multiple layers of screening by medical professionals to get this benefit in the first place.
“I’m concerned that MSD is recruiting people who are unqualified to assess our work and who don’t understand our very complex conditions. They don’t know how to pronounce or spell these words, let alone understand how they affect us.”
Barrett said the disability community is terrified.
“Fear, extreme fear. Yes, and stress. MSD and Minister Louise Upton bear responsibility for the many people in crisis.”
Mr Barrett said the changes could affect many disabled people who receive jobseeker support benefits.
“Because there are so many barriers that stop us getting SLPs, there are a lot of disabled people who can still get jobseeker benefits, but only if they have a disability or illness so they don’t need to look for work as much.
“But the warning is just an understanding. It’s nothing. It’s not official. It depends on which case worker you meet that day and whether they understand what’s going on.”
Barrett also took issue with calls being referred to as “appointments” and penalties being imposed for missed appointments.
“They just assumed that because we were out of work we were available all the time. I was busy with my kids. I was in hospital, I was under general anaesthetic, I was out on a doctor’s appointment, I was on the toilet.
“So I missed a call that they never told me about and then they marked in the system that I missed an appointment or I didn’t show up for an appointment.”
Barrett, who lives on just $125 a week after $580 in rent was deducted, said if sanctions were imposed in such circumstances, people would be pushed into desperation.
“So I was only getting $125 a week for travel, groceries for me and my three kids, medical bills, car insurance. It was hard. It was really hard.”
MSD Taranaki regional commissioner Gloria Campbell said Barrett had no work obligations and their SLP was extended for a further two years in May after providing a medical certificate.
“We want to reassure EJ and others who receive supported living payments that they are under no obligation to look for work.
“They may have an obligation to be ‘ready’ for work – but they can only do this if it has been assessed and discussed with them.
“We use information from health practitioners to guide these decisions. Work preparation may include employment-related training or work experience. If the person receiving the SLP has a partner, the partner may have an obligation to prepare or seek work.”
Mr Campbell said the obligations of people on welfare had not changed, but the minister announced further changes to the welfare system would be made early next year.
Clients receiving Jobseeker’s Health Benefit and Disability Benefit have different work obligations, which she said are determined by their doctors based on their ability to work.
“The advice also informs clients of actions they may need to take to meet their obligations, such as attending a workshop or working with a contract service. These are not ‘informal arrangements’ with clients to relieve them of their work obligations.”
Campbell said if a customer missed an appointment they could contact MSD to let it know their valid reasons for missing an appointment, or they could undertake compliance activities to meet this obligation.
“We would like to reiterate that we are happy to address any concerns from the health and disability sectors. Our health and disability advisers regularly work in the region, liaising with practitioners and groups in the field.”
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