MPs call for improvement to benefit assessments

On 14 February 2018, an influential group of MPs published a new report evaluating the assessment process for two forms of financial support, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and making strong recommendations for improvements.PIP is a source of financial support designed to help people with disabilities and long-term conditions to manage the extra costs of their condition. ESA offers financial support for those unable to work, as well as personalised help with getting back into work if people are able to take steps towards employment.PIP and ESA are two benefits that many people with arthritis need, however we often hear that, despite the significant impact the condition has on their lives, they have been unable to access this support, due to the flawed assessment process.In September 2017, the Work and Pensions Committee called for evidence on these issues. They had an overwhelming response, with nearly 4,000 individual submissions, the most ever received by a select committee inquiry. These testimonies have helped shape the report released today.Helen, a former nurse who lives near St Albans, was one of the people who shared her experience in the consultation response submitted to the committee:“I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in July. I was receiving ESA but after my interview this was stopped. I no longer qualified for any disability benefits payments, despite not being able to cut my food on some days. I was ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news