Out of work and stuck on benefits

"I think their life changes considerably when they go on to the benefit." Multiple Sclerosis Society field worker Ria Sapsford

Thousands of people with crippling health conditions are being forced out of work and on to benefits for prolonged periods of time.

Ministry of Social Development figures released under the Official Information Act show more than 17,000 New Zealanders with musculoskeletal disorders were out of work in 2016.

They also revealed more than 8000 people with debilitating conditions, such as musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders, have been stuck on a benefit for more than a decade.

Anne Lawson is one of many people struggling to get back into the work force.

Lawson has multiple sclerosis – a disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause pain, vision loss and impaired coordination, but for her, stress and fatigue were the biggest factors.

Although the Palmerston North woman worked for Inland Revenue for about 20 years, she left the work force in 2012 at the age of 49 due to personal reasons and high stress levels.

The following year she applied for six to 10 jobs, but was not successful.

The last job she applied for was in administration at a school office, which she was surprised to be told she did not have enough skills for.

She ended up on a benefit and has not actively sought a job since.

‘‘Your confidence gets shot.’’

Lawson was in remission and enjoyed volunteering for Palmerston North’s Age Concern organisation.

However, she wanted a parttime job, which would give her time for rehabilitation.

‘‘I think it would be important for me, for my mental health, my growing and independence, and just my worthiness as a person.’’

Multiple Sclerosis Society field worker Ria Sapsford said she had about 220 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) on her books, spanning from Taihape to Te Horo.

Of those, about one-sixth were working in some form of employment, with the rest likely on a benefit.

More than 1200 people with musculoskeletal disorders and 470 people with nervous system disorders were on a benefit in the central region in 2016, figures showed. The area includes Manawatu¯ , Tararua, Horowhenua and Ka¯ piti.

Sapsford said people with MS tended to give up work when their condition deteriorated and things became too much.

‘‘I think their life changes considerably when they go on to the benefit.’’

She said MS patients would benefit hugely from employers being more understanding and supportive about the condition.

Some patients were able to do part-time, casual or remote work.

‘‘Just because you have MS doesn’t mean you don’t have a wealth of knowledge.’’

MS Society administrator Philippa Russell said going on a benefit could be a blow to someone’s self-esteem and wellbeing, as they were no longer able to financially support themselves.

‘‘They can’t just look at any old job because they don’t have the strength, or they have fatigue.’’

For some patients, seeking help at Work and Income could be a daunting experience, she said.

Ministry spokeswoman Kay Read said there was a range of support available for people who were limited or unable to work due to a health condition or disability.

A supported-living-payment benefit was available for people permanently unable to work, or who could not work 15 hours or more per week in open employment.

A jobseeker support benefit was available for people who had a limited ability to work due to a health condition, injury or disability. People were regularly medically assessed for this type of benefit.

New Zealand Spinal Trust chief executive Hans Wouters said it was important to offer early intervention.

It was also important to give people confidence and hope that they can get better and go on to search for employment.