Mum dying of breast cancer told to take 3 fit to work tests
MP brands treatment ‘traumatic & inhumane’
A WOMAN who has terminal cancer was called to a “consultation” to assess her capability to work – for the third time.
Krissy Johnson, 48, was diagnosed with incurable metastatic breast cancer in September 2015 and given less than a year to live.
Nearly three years later, she was told to attend an interview assessment – known as fit to work tests – by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Her Conservative MP slammed the policy of forcing terminally ill people to reviews.
Krissy, married to Mark and mum to son Jordan, posted the letter from the Independent Assessment Services on Facebook – and it has been shared more than 6,000 times. It says: “Our job is to help the DWP understand how your health conditions or disability affects your daily life. We have decided we need to see you for a face-to-face consultation to discuss your condition or disability further.”
Local Tory MP Nigel Evans said: “Why are we reassessing people who have terminal and degenerative illnesses? It’s a waste of public money and is causing people further stress. It is inhumane to put them through this trauma.”
Krissy, an ex-mental health worker from Clitheroe, Lancs, said it was the third time she had been called to a review where she would be expected to prove her terminal status.
She said: “When I spoke to them on the phone they acted like I had done everything wrong.
“Two people in two minutes had called me a liar. I wish I was lying, I wish none of this was happening.
“I sent them everything... my God I sent them stuff I didn’t even want to read.
“I’m scared my last time on this earth will be spent struggling to find money. The forms are ridiculously complicated.” She faced having her Personal Independence Payment axed if the DWP found her fit to work.
But the DWP has now apologised. A spokesman said: “She is being paid under special circumstances. She does not have to attend any appointments.”
I’m scared my time on earth will be spent struggling for money
KRISSY JOHNSON MUM OF ONE ON CASE FEAR HAPPY With family before diagnosis