Disability Benefit Application Process Described as ‘Emotionally Draining’

A woman has characterized the system for applying for disability benefit payments as “emotionally draining”. Jo Burridge, 55, from Highbridge, Somerset, stated that navigating the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system was “really hard” for her and she has since contributed to the development of an online tool to assist others with the process. “When you’re doing the form you have to focus on all the things you can’t do and the pain you’re in – which are all the things you don’t want to think about,” she said. The newly established Labour government indicated it is examining the operation of the disability benefits system and intends to publish its proposals in the spring. Ms. Burridge developed long-term health conditions following a stem cell transplant and ongoing chemotherapy treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia. Her endeavor to apply in 2016 sparked her commitment to improving the application system. “I found it a really hard experience, emotionally draining. It’s such a big document when you initially apply,” she said. Ms. Burridge’s health conditions include temporary cataracts, hearing impairment, cardiac problems, and a mild cognitive impairment, which carries a potential risk of dementia. Currently, in collaboration with the national anti-poverty charity Turn2us, Ms. Burridge has co-designed an accessible online guide for PIP, aiming to simplify the procedure for individuals who may be eligible to claim the benefit. The Turn2us PIP Helper offers step-by-step instructions for assessing eligibility and completing the application, incorporating accessibility features such as British Sign Language (BSL) content and audio descriptions. Ms. Burridge particularly championed the integrated well-being and mental health support, in addition to testing the tool and suggesting improvements. “It’s been a great process to be involved in, really interesting, but it’s been a long process, as we wanted to get it right,” she said. PIP provides between £314 and £798 per month and is intended to help cover the additional expenses associated with having a disability. These payments are available to individuals with a long-term physical or mental health condition who encounter difficulties performing everyday tasks, even if they are employed. Turn2us reported that almost one in three (4.8 million) disabled people are living in poverty. The charity further noted that a 14% dropout rate in PIP applications during 2022-23 indicated that many people struggled to navigate the intricate application process. The National Audit Office discovered that £870 million in PIP went unclaimed between 2023 and 2024. The previous government initiated a consultation on modifying the disability benefits system, with goals to save money and encourage more people, particularly those with mental health problems, to work. The incoming Labour government has stated its intention to formulate its own plans for systemic changes and will release these proposals in the spring. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions commented: “Millions of people rely on our welfare system every year and it is vital that it can be accessed by all who need it. That’s why we will work closely with disabled people to reform the current system so that it provides the support they need.” For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.