Disabled people being driven to despair by system, says report

A new benefits system for disabled people is making their health worse, leaving many isolated and struggling to pay for food and bills, according to a new report.

A major survey by more than 80 organisations found 79% of respondents said their assessments for personal independence payment (PIP) had made their health worse due to stress or anxiety.

Last week, Dundee man Norman Gray revealed to MSPs the “very inhuman” assessment his daughter had to endure to secure PIP.

More than a third of those who have had their funding cut in the middle of a benefits shake-up said they were struggling to pay for food, rent and bills.

A small number even said the PIP assessment process was so stressful it was causing them to have suicidal thoughts.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said PIP was “a better benefit” than the old system and more people received higher levels of support.

However, members of the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) warned their findings from a survey of more than 1,700 people showed that PIP is failing “from start to finish”.

Holyrood is due to take control of 11 benefits by 2021 and will also assume the power to create new payments.

Social security minister Jeane Freeman said the survey reveals the “devastating consequences” of the PIP process.

“The Scottish Government will soon have the powers over these disability benefits devolved and we have categorically ruled out the use of the private sector in delivering assessments for disability benefits,” she said.