Survivors of Ireland’s mother and baby homes living in Britain are at risk of losing essential UK benefits if they accept compensation from the Irish government, according to warnings raised in Westminster. The issue of mother and baby homes compensation has triggered widespread concern among campaigners and more than 100 British MPs, who are urging urgent legal reforms.
The controversy centres on the Irish state’s compensation scheme for survivors of its notorious mother and baby homes, institutions that housed unmarried mothers and their children from 1922 to 1998. While Ireland’s compensation plan aims to provide financial redress for thousands of women subjected to abuse and forced separation, up to 13,000 survivors currently living in Britain could be penalised under UK benefit rules.
Currently, compensation received through the Irish government’s mother and baby institutions payment scheme is counted as personal savings by the UK authorities. This can disqualify recipients from means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and access to social care, creating a distressing choice for survivors.
Campaign for ‘Philomena’s Law’ Gathers Momentum in Westminster
The campaign, led by Labour MP Liam Conlon and backed by a cross-party coalition—including Sinn Féin and Unionist MPs, as well as public figures like Steve Coogan—calls for the introduction of “Philomena’s Law.” The proposed legislation would ensure an “indefinite capital disregard,” meaning that compensation for mother and baby homes survivors would not affect their benefits eligibility in the UK. This approach mirrors similar measures granted to victims of the 7/7 and Manchester bombings and the Windrush scandal.
Supporters say the current system re-traumatises survivors, forcing them to relive painful memories while deciding whether to accept compensation and risk losing vital support. Campaigners also highlight low awareness and take-up of the payment scheme among eligible survivors in Britain, calling for increased outreach and support.
Redress Scheme Recognises Historic Abuse in Mother and Baby Homes
The Irish government’s redress scheme was launched after an official inquiry in 2021 uncovered shocking abuse, neglect, and high infant mortality rates in mother and baby homes, where around 56,000 women and 57,000 children were placed. The story of Philomena Lee, who was separated from her son as a young mother, inspired the campaign and the Oscar-nominated film “Philomena.”
Philomena Lee said financial compensation “represents a measure of accountability” for what happened, even if it cannot undo the harm caused. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is reviewing how compensation payments may impact benefit entitlement and will provide an update in due course.
