One arm and leg man has benefit axed
FEARS HE’LL LOSE MOTOR
A MAN with only one arm and one leg fears he will lose his job after benefits chiefs axed payments for his car.
Stephen Dickson, 38, was shocked to be told he no longer qualifies for mobility allowance.
That is because he passed a new Department for Work and Pensions test by walking 20 metres – meaning he was no longer eligible for the handout.
But Stephen claims that painful sores caused by his fake leg means he frequently cannot walk that far.
He said: “When I was told I wouldn’t be receiving the payments I was shocked.
“I struggle to do little things that everyone without a disability can do so easily. It causes a lot of strain on my body.”
Stephen may need surgery soon because his condition is so bad. He said: “My ® doctor has already told me that I will need a hip and knee replacement.
“I am sometimes left bed-bound because my limbs hurt that much.”
Stephen, from Monton, Manchester, was born without his right arm and leg.
The customer service adviser had received disability living allowance from the age of 11 but changes meant he had to apply for the new personal independence payment last month.
Stephen had used his £58 monthly benefit to hire a car with specially-adapted controls to drive himself to work.
A DWP spokesperson said: “Decisions are made following consideration of all the information provided including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.”