The Department of Health and Social Care have released a press statement encouraging bereaved partners to come forward before 1 April 2022, to benefit from possible backdated payments to April 2019.
Changes introduced in March 2021 mean bereaved partners not yet registered with the England Infected Blood Support Scheme (EIBSS) will now be entitled to annual payments.
The payments are for the bereaved partners of those who were infected with HIV or Hepatitis C as a result of treatment with NHS blood or blood products in the 1970’s or 1980’s.
The changes are part of wider plans to bring greater parity across the UK infected blood support schemes. Eligible individuals who submit an application before 1 April 2022 will receive payments backdated to 1 April 2019 or the date of bereavement if later.
Those who register after this date will receive payments backdated to the date their application was received.
For more information on EIBSS and support available, visit here.
If we can be a source of information or support on any of the issues raised by the EIBSS or the Infected Blood Inquiry, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on our helpline, 020 7089 6221 or by email to helpline@hepctrust.org.uk.