Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Benefit changes affect thousands

Friday 14 April 1995 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The new incapacity benefit that this week replaced the old sickness and invalidity benefits will leave thousands of Britons without sufficient income if they are unable to work through sickness and injury, the life industry is warning.

Research conducted by Norwich Union suggests that 55,000 new claimants each year will fail the more stringent medical tests. The survey suggests that of those, 47 per cent will not take out private insurance. Some companies are developing lowcost, limited income protection plans.

The charity Help the Aged has warned that many older people are not claiming benefits. Its advice booklet is available free on 0800 289 404

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in