26 April 2022
The Department for Work and Pensions is reviewing many Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims lodged by D/deaf people since August 2020.The review will take account of an Upper Tribunal judgement which increased the numbers of D/deaf people obtaining the benefit. Applicants do not need to provide any further evidence or attend an assessment and awards will be backdated.
FULL ARTICLE16 November 2021
Amid continuing concerns about the problems being experienced by disabled people making claims, the Work and Pensions Committee has launched a survey to hear about first-hand experiences of claiming PIP or ESA.It is open to everyone who has had an assessment to claim PIP or who has had a Work Capability Assessment, either to claim ESA or as part of a Universal Credit claim.The survey is open until mid February 2022
FULL ARTICLE08 October 2020
Personal Independence Payment assessments taking place over the phone are now to be recorded following the ‘On the Record’ campaign spearheaded by DPAC Sheffield, the local branch of campaigning organisation Disabled People Against Cuts and supported by Disability Sheffield. There had been much controversy over these assessments with claims of dishonesty and many people’s benefits being cut or removed altogether.
FULL ARTICLE06 February 2020
If you want to really show your support for DPAC Sheffield and their campaign to ensure Personal Independence Payments interviews are recorded you can now get it on your chest. The local branch of Disabled People Against Cuts has now had t-shirts printed bearing the slogan ‘Put PIP assessments on the record’ which you can buy for £10, or £13 if you need it posted. Money raised will go towards their crowdfunder to buy equipment which can be lent out to disabled people applying for the benefit
FULL ARTICLE12 January 2020
If you’re having a Personal Independence Payments assessment you now have the option of borrowing recording equipment from Disability Sheffield to get your interview taped – thanks to the local branch of campaigning organisation Disabled People Against Cuts.Please note that you have to inform the assessment company three working days in advance that you intend recording the meeting.
FULL ARTICLE30 October 2019
Campaigners calling for compulsory recording of Personal Independence Payments assessments have taken matters into their own hands – by loaning out equipment to disabled people who want to get theirs taped. DPAC Sheffield, the local branch of national organisation Disabled People Against Cuts organised a crowdfunding appeal to purchase equipment and raised enough to buy two sets, although they are now hoping to buy more.The service is backed by and was launched at Disability Sheffield’s office at The Circle in Sheffield city centre. The first disabled person to use the equipment was a Disability Sheffield volunteer.
FULL ARTICLE04 October 2019
This petition asks for a review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process claiming that evidence shows that people with epilepsy are disproportionately discriminated against during the assessment process. Of those people who have epilepsy and previously received Disability Living Allowance, 54% were denied PIP, this is the second highest rejection rate out of all health conditions and double the national average.
FULL ARTICLE07 August 2019
The Sheffield branch of campaigning organisation Disabled People Against Cuts has launched a crowdfunding appeal to buy tape recorders and cassettes for people to use during their PIP medical assessments. Not everyone is aware that you are allowed to record the assessment but the equipment must be supplied by the person being assessed and many people on benefits cannot afford to buy recording equipment.
FULL ARTICLE07 May 2019
There has been an increase by more than 6,000% in complaints over assessments for disability benefits, shock new Government figures reveal, with a woman from Sheffield among those who have been forced to take action after cuts. Jennifer Jones had her benefits downgraded despite having ME, fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder.A week before a tribunal was to take place Jennifer was contacted by a DWP case manager who offered to restore her payment to their original levels.
FULL ARTICLE10 April 2019
A disability rights campaigner has launched a petition in a bid to stop the Government merging assessments for Personal Independence Payments and Employment And Support Allowance.
The planned changes – due to start in 2021 – were announced recently in a speech by Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd, but London-based activist and blogger Lisa Egan is urging people to fight this. The petition closes on Sept 19