Legal News
Domestic Violence Victims Could Face Loss of Benefits (7 September 2011)
Date: 07/09/2011
Victims of domestic abuse could lose their unemployment benefits, warns the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Reductions in financial backing from the government has meant that many of the charities and shelters that help women experiencing violence have had to scale back their services or close completely, the TUC claims.
Under the 2009 Welfare Act, due for implementation at the end of this year, domestic violence victims who are eligible to claim jobseeker's allowance (JSA) can receive financial support for a duration of three months in the absence of being available for employment or actively seeking employment.
Jobcentre Plus advisers are able to lengthen the duration of this deferral by a further 11 weeks yet victims of domestic violence are required to provide written evidence of the abuse that they have suffered either from their physician or from a support organisation. It is therefore of concern that many of the organisations that help victims of domestic violence are being forced to close or limit the work that they do due to a lack of funds.
Nicola Harwin, chief executive officer at Women's Aid, claims that while the organisation welcomes the new proposals to ensure victims of domestic violence are exempt from the need to find employment for a maximum of 24 weeks, there is concern that the proposals for evidence requirements may result in a loss of benefits. The organisation has also voiced concerns over the ability of Jobcentre staff to deal with victims of domestic violence.
Duncan Lewis’ Family and Welfare Benefits solicitors understand that family proceedings are sensitive in nature. The team make a concerted effort to ensure that the solutions provided reduce the strain on all involved.