Benefits claimants left fuming by new sickness assessments

VULNERABLE residents say they are struggling to feed themselves after having their disability benefits withdrawn as a result of Government reassessment tests.

People claiming Incapacity Benefit and Employment and Support Allowance have spoken of their distress at being left unable to afford basic necessities because assessment tests under the coalition Government’s new Welfare Reform Bill have deemed them fit to work. 

Kerry O'Brien

One such claimant – Kerry O’Brien (37), of Milwards – was signed off from work by her doctor two years ago for severe depression, diabetes and degenerative osteoporosis. She said she was stunned to receive a letter telling her she was able to work and that her benefits had been cancelled.

"I hadn’t expected it at all and just burst into tears," she said. "I’d had the ESA reassessment test two weeks before and it was absolutely ridiculous. It lasted about 15 minutes and consisted of a load of vague questions, being asked to raise both arms above my head and being told to lie down and lift my legs."

Kerry, who worked as a retail manager before falling ill, said she is now unable to pay her rent and utility bills or buy food.

"I have had to apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance but that could take weeks. What am I supposed to do in the meantime?

"The fact is that before I was signed off I worked every day of my life. I’m not one of these people that doesn’t want to go to work; I would love to be well enough to work."

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said her son who suffers from a chronic skin disorder had been asked to pick up a pencil during his assessment test.

"It was basically a tick sheet, simply ludicrous," she said. "There may be people who want easy access to money but not everyone in England is on the take.

"Surely such callous treatment to those who cannot defend themselves is in itself indefensible."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon said he had "very serious concerns" about the new disability reassessments. "We may need to assess people for the benefits that they receive, but this should always be fair and humane," he told the Star this week.

"Disabled or ill people should be treated with dignity and respect. That is why in November last year I called for a debate in Parliament, in particular around the maladministration of benefit checks, as a number of Harlow residents had been mistreated."