UK Survivor of Irish Mother and Baby Homes Denied Compensation Due to Benefit Penalties
Rosemary Adaser, a 70-year-old survivor of Ireland’s mother and baby home scandal living in the UK, faces a significant financial penalty if she accepts compensation from the Irish government. Under current UK welfare rules, the compensation is treated as capital rather than being disregarded, which would cause her to lose approximately £1,000 monthly in housing benefits. This creates a stark disparity with her twin brother in Ireland, who received full compensation without penalty. Adaser describes this legal loophole as another form of institutional abuse, expressing fear that accepting the payment could lead to homelessness or re-institutionalization. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for 'Philomena’s Law' to protect survivors from such penalties, no legislative timetable or interim protections are currently in place. Consequently, around 13,000 UK-based survivors remain at risk of losing essential benefits. Campaigners highlight the urgent need for government action to ensure these elderly victims receive justice without sacrificing their financial stability and independence.
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UK Survivor of Irish Mother and Baby Homes Denied Compensation Due to Benefit Penalties
Rosemary Adaser, a 70-year-old survivor of Ireland’s mother and baby home scandal living in the UK, faces a significant financial penalty if she accepts compensation from the Irish government. Under current UK welfare rules, the compensation is treated as capital rather than being disregarded, which would cause her to lose approximately £1,000 monthly in housing benefits. This creates a stark disparity with her twin brother in Ireland, who received full compensation without penalty. Adaser describes this legal loophole as another form of institutional abuse, expressing fear that accepting the payment could lead to homelessness or re-institutionalization. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for 'Philomena’s Law' to protect survivors from such penalties, no legislative timetable or interim protections are currently in place. Consequently, around 13,000 UK-based survivors remain at risk of losing essential benefits. Campaigners highlight the urgent need for government action to ensure these elderly victims receive justice without sacrificing their financial stability and independence.
The Guardian