Epilepsy sufferers driven to brink of suicide by heartless benefits system

Humiliated patients left broke by Tories’ replacement scheme

THE lives and safety of people with epilepsy are being put at risk by an inadequate and ineffective disability benefits system, campaigners have warned.

Epilepsy Action say the condition has the highest refusal rate for people claiming the personal independence payment – 20 per cent above the national average for all health conditions.

Some claimants have been left suicidal after going through the PIP process, the charity’s chief executive Philip Lee said.

The Department for Work and Pensions said PIP is better than the old system because it takes a wider look at a claimant’s condition.

But Lee said PIP “is failing to recognise the complex needs of people with epilepsy”.

He added: “PIP is supposed to be helping people with disabilities to live more independent lives and yet ironically they are being denied the independence they deserve.

“We are hearing increasingly stories from people who say their safety and day-to-day living are being negatively impacted.

“Their physical and mental health are also being affected. Some people have even told us they feel suicidal.

“The current system needs to change. If it doesn’t, it will continue to have more devastating effects on people with epilepsy.”

Figures show almost twothirds of people with epilepsy who previously received disability living allowance had their award denied or downgraded following a reassessment for PIP.

A total of 15,000 people with epilepsy as their primary condition have been assessed for the transfer from DLA to PIP between October 2013 and October 2016. Of these, 2300 people had their payments decreased and 7300 people had their benefits withdrawn altogether, according to figures released to Parliament.

Epilepsy Action say the assessment process does not accurately measure the specific needs of people with epilepsy.

And they claim assessors often show a lack of understanding and knowledge, which makes it harder to receive a fair assessment.

The stats show 7100 people with epilepsy transferring over from DLA to PIP requested a DWP review of their PIP claim, while 1700 appealed to an independent tribunal.

Ministers say all health professionals carrying out PIP assessments complete training on neurological conditions including epilepsy, as well as practising clinical scenarios involving the condition.

A DWP spokeswoman said: “PIP is a better benefit which takes a much wider look at the way an individual’s disability or health condition, such as epilepsy, impacts them on a daily basis.

“Under PIP, 29 per cent of claimants receive the highest rate of support compared to 15 per cent under DLA.”