Infected blood scandal survivors and bereaved partners to receive £100,000 by today

Thousands of survivors of the historic infected blood scandal, which occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, are being contacted this week to confirm that interim compensation payments will be made by the end of today.
The payments deliver the government’s commitment to meet, in full, the recommendations set out by infected blood inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff in his interim report.
People who were given hepatitis C and/or HIV and bereaved partners who are registered with any of the four UK infected blood support schemes will receive letters this week confirming the £100,000 alongside details of how the money will be paid.
This follows confirmation that payments will not be subject to any tax or national insurance deductions. Neither will they affect any financial benefits support an individual is receiving.
Rachel Halford, Chief Executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said: “As the Infected Blood Inquiry continues, we urge the Government not to delay implementing a full compensation system for everyone affected, included those who are not covered by the interim scheme, such as bereaved parents and children.
“We still regularly hear from people who have just been diagnosed, following a blood transfusion 40 or more years ago. It’s vitally important that the Government raises awareness of the risks of transfusion before 1995 and encourages everyone who received a transfusion in that period to get tested.”
Find out more about the Infected Blood support schemes.
If we can be a source of information or support on any of the issues raised by the Infected Blood Inquiry, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on our helpline.
Call: 020 7089 6221
or email: helpline@hepctrust.org.uk