Benefit Cuts Leave Hospitalized Patient Struggling to Survive

A significant reduction in benefits has left Rhiannon Purves, a patient at Wellington Hospital, grappling with the harsh reality of surviving on just $55.35 a week after spending over three months hospitalized. The automatic cut to her supported living payment from $480 to the “hospital rate” has sparked outrage among patients and advocates, who argue that such reductions disproportionately affect those unable to advocate for themselves due to severe health conditions.

Policy Raises Concerns Among Patients and Advocates

According to the Ministry of Social Development, patients who remain in hospital for more than 13 weeks automatically receive a reduced benefit aimed at covering personal expenses. Gagau Annandale-Stone, the regional commissioner for Social Development, explained that the $55.35 per week is intended to cover personal items, while other medical costs fall under the responsibility of the healthcare provider.

Purves, 34, suffers from Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a debilitating illness characterized by extreme fatigue and various other symptoms. The condition has left her bedridden and unable to engage in basic daily activities. “It’s like dying but you’re still here, and an end to the suffering never comes,” she expressed in an email interview.

Despite her significant health challenges, Purves was unaware of the impending benefit cut until she received an email notification. The stress from this sudden change has compounded her health issues, leading her to declare, “I won’t survive here on $55 per week; it’s not enough to cover my medication alone.”

Automated Processes Fail Vulnerable Individuals

Advocates like Kay Brereton argue that these automated processes fail to consider individual circumstances, particularly for those with disabilities. “There needs to be a conversation first,” Brereton stated, emphasizing the importance of case managers assessing each situation in depth before any benefit changes are made.

Brereton highlighted that patients in hospitals often have ongoing costs not covered by healthcare providers, such as medications, personal care, and other essential expenses. “The assumption that everything is taken care of in the hospital is simply not true,” she added, noting the inadequacy of the $55 allowance.

Purves has been actively trying to communicate her situation to Work and Income since receiving the notification on January 27, 2025. She provided details about her medical expenses, including unfunded medications costing $200 every one to two months, as well as necessary appointments with specialists. Despite these efforts, her benefit was cut before she could receive a response.

Annandale-Stone acknowledged that the Ministry could have handled Purves’s case more effectively and expressed regret over the lack of timely communication. “We accept we could have responded in a more timely way and explained to Rhiannon what additional detail we need,” she said. However, Purves argues that her attempts to provide necessary documentation, including a signed disability form from her doctor, have been ignored.

The automated nature of the benefit reduction process has raised questions about accessibility, particularly for individuals facing severe health challenges. Purves emphasized the exhausting and frustrating experience of seeking help, stating, “It should not be this hard for a disabled person in hospital to get help.”

Wider Implications for ME/CFS Patients

As the number of individuals affected by ME/CFS and long Covid continues to rise, the lack of support in the public health system poses significant challenges. Vanessa Atkinson, general manager of ME Support, noted that over 45,000 New Zealanders are impacted by ME/CFS, a number exacerbated by rising cases of long Covid.

Atkinson criticized the systemic issues that lead to benefit changes without prior consultation, stating, “This is grossly unfair and puts already physically and financially vulnerable people at greater risk.” She reiterated the need for a compassionate approach to policy that considers the unique challenges faced by patients with chronic illnesses.

The situation faced by Rhiannon Purves is a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding health care and social support systems. As advocates call for reform, the voices of those directly affected underscore the urgent need for a more humane and responsive approach to benefit management, especially for the most vulnerable members of society.