Callous cuts to benefits become a reality

1 May 2012

Cuts to benefits introduced by the Welfare Reform Act became a reality for some people with Parkinson's yesterday.

People who have been on the benefit 'contributory' Employment and Support Allowance for more than one year will find they can no longer get this benefit if they are in the 'Work Related Activity Group' (WRAG).

Unfairly assessed

This will immediately affect 100,000 disabled people, including people with Parkinson's, and hundreds of thousands more in the future.

While some may be able to get some means tested support through income-related Employment and Support Allowance, many will not because they have some savings or a partner who works.

However, many people with Parkinson's are being unfairly assessed and placed in the Work Related Activity Group when this is wholly unsuitable.

As a result many people are having their benefits cut when they are clearly unable to go back to work.

Robin's story

Robin Mitchell, 61, from Derbyshire is just one of the many people with Parkinson's who will lose his benefit:

"I worked solid for 42 years and had to retire on medical grounds due to my Parkinson's.

"I've been told by the so-called medics involved in these fit to work tests that a 'return to work could be considered in 18 months'.

"I don't even think I should be in this group, let alone be due to lose the benefit which I've paid into all my life".

Read more about Robin's story in The Derby Telegraph.  

Adding insult to injury

Donna O'Brien, our social policy and campaigns officer, comments:

"Seriously ill people with Parkinson's are being told they should get better and back to work. But people with Parkinson's don't get better. Even those with the most basic medical training should know this.

"The assessments are not fit for purpose. As a result they undermine medical advice, time and time again, punishing people with long-term conditions.

"Now, to add insult to injury, the Government will snatch the income of £94 a week from people who are unable to work. This leaves people with Parkinson's and their families facing financial worry, all while having to deal with their condition. This is nothing short of callous.

"The Government said it wanted to protect the most vulnerable from the cuts. It said it would encourage and reward responsibility. But this does neither.

"People who have worked all their lives need help in times of illness but the Welfare Reform Act has put a stop to that."

What should I do if I'm affected?

It's really important that people with Parkinson's who are affected get advice on these changes. Our helpline service can explore options with you.

Contact our helpline on 0808 800 0303 or hello@parkinsons.org.uk

There may be alternative means tested support available or an option to challenge the decision to put you in the Work Related Activity Group, but also important information you need to know even if you lose the benefit entirely.

What should I do if I want to campaign on this change?

Although the Welfare Reform Act means the change is law, we are working to make sure that people with Parkinson's are put in the right group for them, so fewer people face a time limit on their benefit.

We are very keen to hear your stories and lobby MPs about the need for proper procedures for people with progressive and fluctuating conditions.

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