BLACK PIP refusals cause stress
BY PAISLEY AND RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MP MHAIRI BLACK
One of the most common issues constituents ask for my assistance with is the problems they experience when going through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process.
Earlier this year, I supported Epilepsy Scotland’s campaign to highlight the discrimination that those with epilepsy are dealing with due to the way in which PIP is assessed.
I was also happy to highlight their petition recently, regarding this issue and I would urge as many of you as possible to sign it.
Epilepsy is not always a visible condition so, as is also the case with many other invisible disabilities, there is a level of ignorance from assessors that claimants face when going through a claim for PIP.
Epilepsy Scotland has highlighted to me that 54 per cent of people who had previously received Disability Living Allowance were denied PIP when they were transitioned out of DLA.
This is actually the second highest rejection rate out of all health conditions and double the national average. Additionally, 65 per cent of new claims for PIP by those with epilepsy were denied it.
However, of the third that appealed the decision, 78 per cent were then awarded PIP. A bigger understanding of epilepsy is clearly needed.
The stress that can come from a PIP refusal doesn’t just cause financial hardship but for someone with a health condition such as epilepsy it can have a negative impact on their mental health.
More than half of those with the condition who received DLA were denied PIP.
Can you imagine having a medical condition and being made to feel like it isn’t an issue or you weren’t being listened to about how it affects you?
Having to prove it in an assessment and then having to go through the very long appeals process, constantly having to repeat it and feeling like nobody is listening to you about your very real medical condition?
Are you supposed to feel happy when the decision is overturned months down the road?
Months, sometimes years, after what feels like an eternity of stress and being made to feel like you are lying for a benefit you are perfectly entitled to.
The DWP have a history of treating those with less visible conditions in this sort of manner.
Around 650 people in my constituency suffer from epilepsy and I do not want any of them having to go through this stressful and gruelling appeals process due to this oversight of their condition.
I will be writing to the Minister and asking him to explain these statistics from Epilepsy Scotland.
Surgeries
As we enter September, my regular surgeries around Paisley and Renfrewshire South will be back in action.
If you have any issues that you think I could be of assistance I will be on hand to give you advice and help.
You can come along, no appointment necessary, at the following times and venues –
Second Friday of the Month: 9: 30am to 10: 15am in my Constituency Office, 9 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley
10:45am to 11:15am in the McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch
11: 30am to 12: 00pm in the Howwood Village Hall
12:45pm to 1:15pm in the Elderslie Village Hall
1: 30pm to 2: 00pm in the Foxbar Community Centre
Third Saturday of the Month
10: 00am to 10: 45am in my Constituency Office, 9 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley
Fourth Friday of the Month 9: 30am to 10: 15am in my Constituency Office, 9 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley
10: 45am to 11: 15am in the Kilbarchan Old Library
11:30am to 12:00pm in Johnstone Town Hall
1: 15pm to 1: 45pm in Glenburn Community Centre
I will also be continuing to hold street surgeries around the constituency. Some people may not be able to get along to a regular surgery and this is another way for me to see as many of you as possible.