AQW 26471/22-27

Mr Danny Donnelly
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 01/05/2025
Answered On Date: 25/06/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any plans in place to improve application processes for disability benefits in order to reduce stress and administrative burden on children and young people with cancer and their families, who are already experiencing significant stress and disruption following their diagnosis.

Answer:

Legislation dictates that an application for a disability benefit must be made in the format and manner prescribed. However, my Department has engaged with stakeholders to ensure that families with a child or young person who has had a cancer diagnosis can access the support they need.

As a result, measures have been put in place to assist families through the application process including establishing escalation points for the Royal Victoria Hospital Children's Oncology and Haematology Social Work Team and other support organisations, to fast-track new claims where there is an urgent need. Where required, the Department’s Make the Call service can also visit families to provide benefit advice, assistance with application form completion and signposting to other available support.