Ill people in Jersey need more financial help: Charity

Senator Le Gresley said payments depended on household income

People in Jersey too ill to work should be given more money by the States, according to a charity chairman.

Peter Morris, from the Jersey Kidney Patients Association, said income support payments for those too unwell to work was not good enough.

Social Security Minister Senator Francis Le Gresley said they took into account total household income when calculating benefit payments.

The minister said this meant some people did not qualify for support.

'May not qualify'

Mr Morris said most of the charity's money helped kidney patients with their living costs, such as heating and food.

For the first time the association is facing a funding shortfall of £6,000 and Mr Morris said he was worried it would have to cut some support.

Senator Le Gresley praised the association for the work it does helping kidney patients.

He said those unable to work could claim short or long-term incapacity benefit based on their social security record.

He said: "Income support benefit is means tested and can be paid to a household where an adult has a long-term condition such as kidney failure.

"The total income coming into a household is taken into consideration when assessing a claim for Income Support benefit, consequently some kidney patients may not qualify to receive this benefit if they continue to work or have a partner in employment."