MP calls for action over benefit assessments

The MP for East Renfrewshire is calling for improvements in benefits assessments for people with epilepsy.

Under the current assessment process for Personal Independent Payments (PIP), people with epilepsy experience some of the highest initial rates of refusal at around 66 per cent.

More than 70 per cent of those refusals are overturned on appeal, which can cause huge stress for the claimants and loss of money while they pursue their appeal.

Kirsten Oswald MP has put a motion to the UK Parliament calling for better epilepsy training for PIP assessors to help them understand and take account of some of the debilitating and fluctuating conditions associated with it.

She said they need to take account of the effects of epilepsy medication and the impact seizures can have on the individual and family members to make the assessment process fit for purpose for those with epilepsy.

Ms Oswald said:“I know from my constituency casework just how difficult people with epilepsy can find the PIP assessment process, including experiencing stress-induced seizures.

“The fact that so many initial assessments are overturned on appeal highlights the need to improve the initial assessment process.

“This can only be achieved if assessment staff have a real understanding of epilepsy.

“In this National Epilepsy Week, I am pleased that colleagues from a range of parties have backed my motion.

“I do hope the UK Government will act on the need for improvements to help people affected by epilepsy.”