A charity is calling on the UK government to review controversial assessments for a disability benefit.
Richard Kramer of Sense: he says the disability benefits system should promote dignity rather than anxiety
Disability charity Sense says assessments for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) overwhelm people with “anxiety and worry”.
The charity supports those with autism and learning and physical disabilities, as well as deaf and blind people.
It urged the rethink after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced it would review the claims of everyone who receives the PIP.
Review to affect 1.6m claims
The DWP will review around 1.6 million claims, with about 220,000 people expected to get more money.
It resolved to carry out the review after deciding not to challenge a court ruling.
The ruling said benefit changes brought in through PIP were unfair to people with mental health conditions.
Richard Kramer is Sense’s deputy chief executive.
He urged the Government to “seize the moment” to review assessments carried out for the PIP.
Kramer added: “We want a system that promotes people’s dignity rather than overwhelming people with anxiety and worry for those that rely on this essential support.”
‘Disgraceful’ decisions made in assessments
David Matthews, a volunteer with Worcester Citizens Advice, recently told Autism Eye that officials were making “disgraceful” decisions when people move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to the PIP.
The UK government is rolling out the PIP to replace DLA.
A DWP spokesperson said following the court ruling it would write to all those who may be entitled to more support, and no-one would have a reassessment.
More than 200,000 more people with mental health conditions receive the higher rate of the daily living component of PIP than did under DLA, the spokesperson added.
In addition, the DWP claims spending has gone up on the “main disability benefits” by £4.1bn since 2010.
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Published: 6 February 2018
