Sickness benefit rules eased

The Government is relaxing the rules for people claiming they are too sick to work.

Those wanting to receive sickness and invalid's benefits will now only need to produce one medical certificate, completed by the family doctor.

People on the invalid's benefit also will not have to re-establish their condition on a regular basis, if their health is unlikely to change.

Those applying for the benefits will now only need to see a specialist if there is insufficient information to establish eligibility.

The Government hopes the changes will allow disabled people or those with ill health to participate in the community.

- NEWSTALK ZB