More than a third of disability benefit claims across Merseyside are being rejected - as people across the region tell of the battles they are facing to get help for their debilitating conditions.
Yesterday, Birkenhead MP Frank Field displayed graphic images in the House of Commons of one of his constituents who had been turned down for a vital benefit, despite "having bones coming out of his flesh".
This was just one of a huge number of people failing to be awarded the support they need - as shown by new figures and the harrowing accounts of many.
PIP Rejection
Government figures reveal 2,901 Personal Independence Payment - better known as PIP - claims were given a decision in July this year (the most recently published monthly data).
Some 34.0% - or 986 - were rejected.
PIP is a benefit designed to help cover the extra costs of long-term health conditions and disabilities among people aged 16 and over.
A person claiming the benefit must need help with everyday tasks like dressing, washing, and eating food, or help with getting around.
The often lengthy application process involves filling in a questionnaire and submitting evidence - usually including a face-to-face assessment - to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how their disability affects them.
No support
Responding to our story about the Birkenhead man yesterday, scores of people got in touch to reveal how they had been turned down for help despite living with very difficult conditions.
One woman explained: "I can’t walk at the moment, I’m on my bed they took mine off me and gave me lower rate.
The moment Frank Field produced images of his disabled constituent in Parliament
"This is about my third year fighting them now it’s Torture for being ill."
Another said: "My brother has throat cancer. Can't talk, can't eat, lost lots of weight, so weak could barely walk and couldn't sleep.
"He was turned down for this benefit and had to appeal and had to wait while this was happening so was left with hardly any money -Couldn't even keep his home warm."
Vulnerable being left behind
Campaign group Disabled People Against Cuts said the high number of claims being disallowed meant people with disabilities were being left without the help they need for extra costs, as support system cuts mean vulnerable people are struggling to navigate the complicated process.
Across Merseyside, the situation was worst in Wirral, with 36.8% of PIP claims given a decision in July being rejected.
That was followed by Sefton (33.9%), Liverpool (33.5%), St. Helens (32.7%) and Knowsley (31.8%).
The figures also reveal why PIP claims across Merseyside were disallowed.
The vast majority (685) were rejected because the person was found not to meet the requirements needed to receive the benefit following a face-to-face assessment of their needs.
This was an area many of our readers also got in touch about, labelling the assessment system as unfair.
One man said: "I’ve got emphysema and severe asthma and lots of other things. The guy I went to see in the Anfield PIP department was more impressed with my arms being able to go above my head.#
"Yeah mate like my arms have anything to do with my lungs."
Another reader added: "The whole system is a farce, the assessor will ask the same question 4 or 5 times in a different way until you give them the answer they want and not the real reason you need help, it's all designed to give you 0 points."
PIP was first introduced as part of a phased roll out from June 2013 to replace Disability Living Allowance.
It has, however, been heavily criticised by disability campaigners as being an overly complicated system.
Separate figures released by the DWP reveal a total of 9,400 complaints relating to PIP assessments were received by assessment providers in 2018 - a record high.
Ellen Clifford, from Disabled People Against Cuts, said: “The high number of PIP claims that are disallowed are an indication of vast numbers of disabled people who are being left struggling to manage without any help towards the extra costs of disability.
'A deeply unfair system'
“The current rate for decisions overturned at appeal is 75%.
“That figure is reflective of a deeply unfair system.
“Many disabled people give up before they get to the appeal stage because they are simply too worn down or don't have the support or resources.
“Cuts to social care and advice services mean that many disabled people, for example people living with severe mental distress, people with learning difficulties or autistic people, just don’t have any support to navigate what is a deliberately complicated and difficult process.
“What is needed is a complete overhaul of the system and an end to unnecessary repeat assessments for people whose conditions are never going to change or indeed will only get worse.
“We need a government competent enough to make a fair assessment of numbers needing help with the extra costs of disability, to budget accordingly and to make the social security system fit for purpose."
The figures reflect the outcomes prior to government reconsiderations and appeals from claimants.
Those who receive the benefit get between £23.20 and £148.85 per week depending on the level of support they need for their disability.
A DWP spokesperson said: “Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information supplied by the claimant, including supporting evidence from health or social care professionals.
“We want people with a disability or health condition to get the support they are entitled to and if someone disagrees with a decision they can ask for it to be reviewed.”
