Disability benefits could be refused to thousands

More than 200,000 people face being refused all or part of their disability benefit amid a “spike” of rejections, new figures suggest, prompting concerns over the accuracy of assessments.

Senior Labour MPs and a Tory are among those warning that the process for assessing personal independence payments (PIP) claimants is not “up to scratch” and “pot luck”.

Figures released to Parliament show 134,000 people were awarded “zero scores” on their assessments in just six months from April to October 2016, suggesting the total 2016-17 figure will surpass 200,000.

Around one in seven people assessed are now thought to be awarded zero scores for both parts of the benefit.

Claimants recently awarded zero scores and denied PIP have told the Press Association of their difficulties with the system, claiming decisions have been made after just 20 minutes and benefits withdrawn despite their conditions getting worse.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said suggestions of a renewed crackdown on those looking to claim were “completely unfounded”, with more people awarded higher rates on PIP than the old system.

More than 160,000 people initially denied PIP have had this decision overturned since the benefit launched in 2013, according to DWP figures.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Debbie Abrahams said: “The increasing numbers of ‘zero points’ assessments raise real concerns about the accuracy of the assessment process, as do the thousands upon thousands of wrong decisions that are overturned at mandatory reconsideration and in the courts.”

The Work and Pensions Select Committee has launched its own inquiry into PIP.

Committee chairman and Labour MP Frank Field said: “It begs the question of whether mandatory reconsideration really serves any purpose, is the initial assessment process up to scratch, and wouldn’t it be better to give more time for officers and better training, especially on conditions of mental health, before this is first decided.”

Mr Field added that he had heard additional concerns about growing numbers of people being given zero points after quick and short assessments.

The number of points an applicant receives in their PIP assessment determines whether they are eligible for either element of PIP and, if so, whether at the standard or higher rate.

It has been brought in to replace disability living allowance (DLA).

The most recent figures, obtained through a written parliamentary question by Labour former work and pensions minister Angela Eagle, show that between April and October, 83,000 people were given zero scores in their assessments for both components of PIP.

A further 51,000 were given zero scores for either part of the benefit.

In the previous 12 months, 93,400 people were given zero scores in their assessment for both elements.

Conservative MP Peter Bone said: “I have far, far too many people coming to my surgery who have been denied PIP who clearly should be entitled to it.

“It appears to be pot luck whether you get awarded it or not, and that can’t be right.”