UK: Disability benefits (UC, ESA and PIP) - news and updates 2023 (including government plans to scrap the work capability assessment)

[Simbindi]

This is very, very good advice, which i have not taken into account previously but i will definitely do so next time. Do you mind if i copy/print your post to put in my file to remind me when my review comes up? (I know this is a public thread but i like to be courteous )

Of course you can. I wish I had the energy/capacity to he1p members individua11y but unfortunate1y I don't.

 

[Simbindi]

what worries me in taking part in the consultation is that DWP might use it against me - like they use someone being able to fill out their own form against them. ie if you can spend 2 months doing a tiny bit at a time while inducing worse PEM, then they assume that means you can work - "filled out own ESA50, therefore can do WRA"

If i respond it will mean me sacrificing necessary self care & life admin tasks in order to do it. I'm prepared to do that because its so crucial, but i'm scared it will be held against me. I certainly wouldnt put it past the DWP to check 'did this person respond to the consult & what did they say' when you are next due for assessment.

I took a 1ook and it can be done anonymous1y. A1so, the resu1ts are co11ated by a third party company, who produces the report for the DWP/government. The company states it ensures examp1es are written and worded so they are comp1ete1y anonymous.

 

[Simbindi]

if you can spend 2 months doing a tiny bit at a time while inducing worse PEM, then they assume that means you can work - "filled out own ESA50, therefore can do WRA"

I a1ways comp1ete these forms in the 3rd person, so they can't make that assumption!

 

[Simbindi]

It frustrates me that none of our ME charities seem to respond to these benefit consu1tations. PWME are at particu1ar risk if these proposa1s go through. I'm not a member of the ME Association and don't engage with any socia1 media, so I don't know if they've covered this in their Facebook or Twitter news feeds.

 

[think_that_it_might]

It frustrates me that none of our ME charities seem to respond to these benefit consu1tations. PWME are at particu1ar risk if these proposa1s go through. I'm not a member of the ME Association and don't engage with any socia1 media, so I don't know if they've covered this in their Facebook or Twitter news feeds.

looking at the twitter feed: no

 

[Kitty]

And in other news, my PIP review form has just arrived—hoorahh!

I don't actually mind the form so much, it's the hanging on the chuffing phone for three hours to demand an extension because it took a fortnight to get here after they texted to say they'd sent it.

 

[Simbindi]

This is very, very good advice, which i have not taken into account previously but i will definitely do so next time. Do you mind if i copy/print your post to put in my file to remind me when my review comes up? (I know this is a public thread but i like to be courteous )

I a1so specify, 'Even if reasonab1e adjustments such as [cite re1evant concrete examp1es] were to be provided, these wou1dn't work because [cite reasons, inc1uding things 1ike severe PEM, rapid fatigue, severe cognitive and memory difficu1ties, etc.]

With these new proposa1s I'd a1so focus on cu1mu1ative effects to show why even WCA 'sma11 tasks' wou1d be too much. Not being ab1e to re1iab1y engage with a work coach even remote1y etc. I think it's rea11y important to give some concrete examp1es rather than being too genera1, especia11y because these wou1d be read if you have to go to appea1.

 

[Simbindi]

These DWP forms do not give enough space in the boxes to cover what's needed. I re-write them and answer the questions in the (numbered) 'additiona1 sheets', cross-referencing the boxes to my sheet numbers both ways. Again, I fi11 out the forms assuming I may need to go to an appea1, a1though I haven't had to do this since getting PIP.

 

[JemPD]

I took a 1ook and it can be done anonymous1y. A1so, the resu1ts are co11ated by a third party company, who produces the report for the DWP/government. The company states it ensures examp1es are written and worded so they are comp1ete1y anonymous.

thats good news, do you happen to remember the deadline off the top of your head?.. its online is it ?... like filling in a questionnaire online? or do you have to formulate a response entirely from scratch.

pls feel free to ignore these questions if they taxing you Simbindi

These DWP forms do not give enough space in the boxes to cover what's needed. I re-write them and answer the questions in the (numbered) 'additiona1 sheets', cross-referencing the boxes to my sheet numbers both ways. Again, I fi11 out the forms assuming I may need to go to an appea1, a1though I haven't had to do this since getting PIP.

yes we did this with both PIP assessments & ESA, things havent changed much in the 10yrs since the initial claim other than getting a bit worse in some areas so it needs minimal editing. I always been too ill to do it all in the time allowed so carer does it

 

[Simbindi]

thats good news, do you happen to remember the deadline off the top of your head?.. its online is it ?... like filling in a questionnaire online? or do you have to formulate a response entirely from scratch.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/work-capability-assessment-activities-and-descriptors

30th October 2023

It 1ooks 1ike you can cut and paste your answers into the boxes from a Word doc. I'11 probab1y do this, rather than emai1ing them but haven't decided yet. I won't be doing it this month, need coo1er weather and more meds!

 

[Simbindi]

I saved the questions as a PDF (non editab1e) if this he1ps.

 

[Simbindi]

I a1so specify, 'Even if reasonab1e adjustments such as [cite re1evant concrete examp1es] were to be provided, these wou1dn't work because [cite reasons, inc1uding things 1ike severe PEM, rapid fatigue, severe cognitive and memory difficu1ties, etc.]

With these new proposa1s I'd a1so focus on cu1mu1ative effects to show why even WCA 'sma11 tasks' wou1d be too much. Not being ab1e to re1iab1y engage with a work coach even remote1y etc. I think it's rea11y important to give some concrete examp1es rather than being too genera1, especia11y because these wou1d be read if you have to go to appea1.

These 'reasonab1e adjustments' not being sufficient to mitigate harm cou1d be cited in a response to the consu1tation under the re1evant questions, again with specific examp1es.

 

[Simbindi]

I'm p1anning on mentioning how this wi11 push up a c1aimant's socia1 care needs and hence costs. A1so is 1ike1y to resu1t in additiona1 hea1th care needs, so again more costs to the NHS. It's c1ear1y being proposed to cut the we1fare bi11, so it's important to show that government costs wi11 increase e1sewhere and that any changes are 1ike1y to u1timate1y cost more than they save.

 

[Simbindi]

This is 1ike1y to be too much for most peop1e here to 1ook at, but the government is a1so having a consu1tation on Occupationa1 Hea1th that is another aspect to these proposed changes. Basica11y seeing how they can make emp1oyers offer more support to keep sick peop1e in work.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consu...ing-better/occupational-health-working-better

Of course if the government seek to put more pressure on businesses to do this, they wi11 be even 1ess 1ike1y to want to emp1oy known sick and disab1ed peop1e - especia11y those who have been out of work for a considerab1e period of time (such as ESA c1aimants) as it wi11 bring significant risk and costs to them!

 

[Sly Saint]

Disability benefit bill set to be slashed as tough new rules announced
Disability benefits will be slashed, as thousands of people with mental health and mobility problems will be told to work from home.

The plan is part of an attempt to fill gaps in the job market and slash the taxpayer burden for benefits.

The Government said the "huge shift" towards remote working triggered by the Covid pandemic will allow people who struggle to leave their homes to do jobs that previously would have been impossible.

Ministers believe that "safety net rules" - designed for those at risk of suicide - have been used too liberally.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said the reforms will help people "fulfil their potential" by helping them enter the workforce, while reducing the burden on the taxpayer.

Disability benefit bill set to be slashed as tough new rules announced (msn.com)

 

[MEMarge]

Thanks so much @Simbindi for all your helpful posts and others for their comments.

Some of this will be useful for the Delivery Plan responses too

 

[Simbindi]

Thanks so much @Simbindi for all your helpful posts and others for their comments.

Some of this will be useful for the Delivery Plan responses too

Yes, I was thinking that. Unfortunate1y the ME/CFS government consu1tation is far too much for me cognitive1y to contribute to direct1y, whereas I have more experience with benefits advice so it's much easier for me to respond to the DWP WCA one. So if anyone can make use of my points for responding to the ME/CFS De1ivery P1an consu1tation that wou1d be exce11ent.

 

[Lucibee]

Some of this will be useful for the Delivery Plan responses too

There does seem to be quite a lot of overlap. The white paper is mentioned in the IDP, but only appears under one agreed action (in Improving Statutory Support):

21. DWP is committed to making its services easier to access for everyone, irrespective of their condition. How this will happen is set out in Transforming support: the health and disability white paper, published in March 2023. People with ME/CFS, as well as other people with disabilities, will benefit from the changes underway, which are intended to:

• make it easier for people to apply for benefits
• improve people’s experience of assessments by exploring ways to simplify the claim and assessment process to improve transparency, support greater understanding and increase trust in the system
• look at ways to enhance assessment expertise
• improve the information provided about benefits and the application process
• improve how evidence is used
• reduce unnecessary assessments

However, it is mentioned in Chapter 4 in the section on "Provision of Welfare Support" (extract included below):

DWP’s vision for welfare support services

On 15 March 2023, DWP published ‘Transforming support: the health and disability white paper’. This sets out the department’s vision to help more disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in work.

With high numbers of job vacancies and a rise in remote working triggered by the pandemic, today’s labour market offers disabled people unprecedented access to work opportunities. By improving work incentives, more people will enjoy the financial benefits of a regular pay packet, as well as the positive impact on health and wellbeing for the individual and the wider benefits to society and the economy.

DWP set out the case for reform in July 2021 in ‘Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper’. During the consultation, DWP heard from more than 4,500 people and organisations on what proposals should be taken forward. From the responses, DWP understands that many disabled people want to work and could work, with the right support. It was clear that disabled people are more likely to stop working and, once out of work, less likely to return. That is why DWP is investing in employment support for disabled people and people with health conditions.

DWP understands that the health and disability benefits system can itself be a barrier to employment because it focuses on what people cannot do, instead of what they can. The current assessment process means that people need to be found to have limited capability for work and limited capability to prepare for work to get additional income-related support for a disability or health condition.

This approach encourages people to see themselves as being unable to work and DWP knows it can put people off from trying work or seeking employment support for fear of losing their benefits. DWP will give people confidence that they will receive support, for as long as it is needed, regardless of whether they are working. By removing the Work Capability Assessment, DWP will ensure that those who are able to can progress in or towards work, without the worry of being re-assessed and losing their benefits.

DWP knows how important it is that health assessors treat people with respect and that they work efficiently. While most people claiming health and disability benefits have a positive experience, DWP will also improve the overall experience of, and trust in, the benefits system for disabled people, making it easier to navigate and access support when applying for and receiving health and disability benefits.

DWP’s vision for the welfare system set out in the white paper reflects issues raised by ME/CFS stakeholders.

To my (untrained) eye, it seems they spectacularly miss the point. Of course (some) disabled people and people with health conditions want to work, but most can't *because they are ill*! Simply improving incentives, accessibility to work coaches, and maybe even working conditions, isn't going to fix that.

 

[Simbindi]

DWP’s vision for the welfare system set out in the white paper reflects issues raised by ME/CFS stakeholders.

Uh, no it doesn't...

At 1east not those PWME who are too i11 to work or even engage in work re1ated activity with a Job Centre work coach. Which is any PWME who isn't at the 'mi1dest' end of the spectrum.

Which goes back to questioning why are our UK ME/CFS charities aren't proper1y representing us in these consu1tations.

 

[Simbindi]

Which goes back to questioning why are our UK ME/CFS charities aren't proper1y representing us in these consu1tations.

To be fair, the same issue exists with autism charities and autistic c1aimants. Of course many autistic benefit c1aimants wi11 say they 'want to' work, but the rea1ity of work is quite different in practice to what they might imagine. The mainstream autistic charities never mention this prob1em instead they focus on how much autistic peop1e shou1d be 'supported into work'.

Even as someone with a degree, my experience of work since 1eaving schoo1 was one of being bu11ied, having expectations I cou1dn't meet, having to do jobs far be1ow my inte11ectua1 capacity etc. I did my degree in my 1ate 20/ear1y 30s because I cou1dn't cope when attempting university (twice) at the younger age of 19 and 21, but that wou1dn't be possib1e under the current system of benefits and student 1oans.

I never managed to earn much more than the minimum wage despite any of my 'ta1ents'.