Disabled people ‘struggling’ with benefit claims

NEARLY half of disability benefit claims across Greater Manchester are being rejected, as people struggle to navigate a process campaigners called ‘deliberately complicated and difficult.’

Government figures reveal 3,887 Personal Independence Payment – better known as PIP – claims were given a decision in July this year (the most recently published monthly data).

Nearly half – 1,830 – were rejected. The 47.1 per cent of claims that were rejected was up from 40.9pc the previous July.

PIP is a benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of longterm health conditions and disabilities among people aged 16 and over.

A person claiming the benefit must need help with everyday tasks like dressing, washing, and eating food, or help with getting around.

The often lengthy application process involves filling in a questionnaire and submitting evidence – usually including a face-to-face assessment – to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how their disability affects them.

Disabled People Against Cuts said the high number of claims being disallowed meant people with disabilities were being left without the help they need for extra costs, as support system cuts mean vulnerable people are struggling to navigate the complicated process.

Across Greater Manchester, the situation was worst in Bolton.

More than half of PIP claims given a decision in July were rejected (56.0pc).

The same was true in Oldham (52.7pc) and Rochdale (51.6pc).

A DWP spokesperson said: “Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information supplied by the claimant, including supporting evidence from health or social care professionals.”