Delay in victims payments due to 'complex' medical assessments

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By Q Radio News

A payment scheme for victims of the Troubles who’ve been left permanently disabled will not open for applications until 12 noon on August 31. 

The President of the Victims’ Payments Board had previously announced it would open at the end of this month. 

Mr Justice McAlinden says complex guidance about medical assessments will still be published on June 30 and that the short delay will ensure fairness by giving applicants time to understand it.  

“Over the past days I have held discussions with representatives from the main groups supporting victims and survivors who are likely to be applying to the scheme. 

“ I believe this short delay will ensure that the scheme is equitable and fair to all applicants as it will give them, and those who may be supporting them through the application process, time to consider the detailed guidance. 

“The Victims Payments’ Board will organise information sessions during July and August to provide more detail on the scheme and the medical assessment guidance in particular.”

Mr McAlinden acknowledged that the postponement of the opening of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme will be disappointing for “many victims who have struggled long and hard to get the recognition” and payments they are entitled to.  

“However, it is important that applicants and those supporting
them should have appropriate time and information to engage effectively with the scheme and familiarise themselves with the guidance. 

“The Board feels that to open on 30 June risks causing
additional harm by raising expectations that applications need to be submitted immediately after the medical guidance is
available.  

“A key principle of the scheme is to be responsive to the needs of victims and I want to ensure the victims and survivors who have been waiting for the opening of the scheme that all of the diverse aspects of the process are fully effective when it opens for applications.”

The medical assessment guidance and information on the Scheme will be available on the Victims’ Payments Board website which will be kept updated.

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