Protect Military compensation payments for loss of limb or death in Service

We the undersigned petition the Government to introduce a law that protects military compensatory payments for injury or death in Service from being considered as ‘personal savings’ or ‘personal income’ by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) or any other official body. Furthermore, is it the intention of Government or Parliamentary policy to continue causing further suffering to the families of those already shouldering the burden of such devastating loss? There is currently no case law for how compensation is treated by the DWP (highlighted by the recent case of a mother who lost her young son in combat and had benefits she was receiving removed in their entirety. Forcing her to use her son’s compensation for everyday living expenses instead of being able to carry out his wishes in providing financial security for his younger brothers’ futures, understanding his mother would never be able to do so due to an incurable health condition preventing her from working). This requires immediate amendment. It impacts directly on every serving member of HM Armed Forces and their families. Moreover, those previously deployed or currently serving on the frontline in Afghanistan have been denied being advised of current legislation, therefore denied the right to make informed decisions regarding who should be named as beneficiary to their estate should they not survive combat. Compensation is payable as a form of financial ‘apology’ for loss of limb or life, therefore should never be treated as a ‘windfall’ payment, ‘money earned’ or ‘money saved’ under any circumstances. In order to qualify for compensation in the first instance, the recipient has had to suffer losing limb or life whilst on active duty in HM Armed Forces. Oxford English Dictionary definitions: Compensation: act of making amends for something; something given as reparation for loss, injury, etc. Savings: anything saved i.e. money saved for future use. Income: That which comes in as the periodical produce of one’s work. Windfall: a piece of unexpected good fortune, esp. financial gain.