Blind & deaf are ‘humiliated’ by benefits bosses
MSP hits out at DWP’s advice
BENEFIT claimants with sight and hearing loss are being “humiliated” by welfare chiefs, an MSP has claimed.
The SNP’s Kevin Stewart said blind people without internet access had been advised to fill in Universal Credit applications in a library.
The advice poses security risks for anyone sharing financial details in a public area, the Aberdeen Central MSP warned.
He also claimed people with hearing difficulties were told to book sign language interpreters over the phone at potentially extra costs.
Stewart demanded answers from the UK Department for Work and Pensions after a north-east charity raised concerns with him.
He said: “I think many people will be absolutely stunned to learn that the DWP may be advising people with hearing difficulties to book sign language interpreters over the BY ANDY PHILIP a.philip@dailyrecord.co.uk phone and that blind people are being recommended to use public libraries to input personal financial information. But this is the kind of monstrous indignity I have come to expect from the Tories.”
“The process of applying for Universal Credit – or even making changes to it – is proving to be a painful experience for many people.
“Some of the DWP practices outlined to me by charities show nothing less than humiliation being inflicted on people simply for seeking help they are more than entitled to.
“It is unacceptable that the DWP is treating their responsibility to deliver support with such blatant contempt. I’ve written to Secretary of State Amber Rudd calling on her to address her department’s frankly ridiculous approach to people living with sensory loss.”