A grandmother who relies on her husband to help her wash and get dressed has described her fears of losing their home amid the controversial benefit cuts.
Linda Nutt, aged 59, residing in Barnsley, suffers from a condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia which indicates her body is filled with tumors.
She also has fibromyalgia – a conditions causes widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive issues – as well as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Her health conditions are so severe that she can barely walk.
Mrs. Nutt, who is married to Michael and has two children along with one grandchild, mentions that she wouldn’t be able to manage without the help of her spouse. He works full-time as a carpenter and also takes care of her.
But she is now worried that they might lose their home as she faces having her personal independence payment (PIP) taken away under the proposed shake-up of benefits which will mean Claimants must obtain a minimum of four points. For each activity in the new test to achieve point thresholds.
I'm genuinely terrified that the government might remove my PIP because of these changes, and if that happens, we'd lose our home since we couldn't cover the mortgage and utilities.
"My PIP covers the wages that were used to cover the bills until I could no longer work. If this support is removed, we would face significant difficulties since we are already cutting expenses. Losing my PIP would be disastrous," said Ms Nutt. The i Paper .
PIP is a disability benefit which compromises two components, daily living and mobility. The proposed reforms are to impact 800,000 people the Office for Budget Responsibility says.
The government stated that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims are expected to increase twofold to 4.3 million by the end of the decade, whereas welfare payments for working-age individuals receiving sickness and disability support will climb to £70 billion by the conclusion of the parliamentary term.
Ms Nutt had an admin role but was forced to finish working about a year ago after her health deteriorated.
My body is filled with tumors, and I've undergone many surgeries," she stated. "These tumors are benign but create various issues; they're located in my pancreas and pituitary gland.
It causes me to feel extremely sluggish, and I also go through bone pain because of tumors developing within the bones.
My spouse works full-time as a carpenter, yet he needs to assist me with getting dressed; otherwise, I'd be wearing my nightgown throughout the day while he is away at his job. I am unable to take a bath or shower independently too, for fear of falling if he isn't around.
I'm not able to walk long distances, and I usually don't go outside alone.
Ms Nutt only started claiming PIP about two years ago, and is now concerned that under the new proposals, she will not be eligible for PIP.
Although I informed them about using walking aids and crutches when applying for PIP, the assessment report stated that I did not utilize any such assistance. Despite my attempts to call and correct this misinformation, they seem unwilling to acknowledge what I’m saying.
I am extremely afraid of these alterations and dread the possibility that without my PIP, we might struggle to cover our expenses and could even lose our home.
She added: “People who are older are being hit the hardest with benefit cuts as it is difficult for us to work at this age, even if our health wasn’t so bad.
“It is wrong for the Government to make benefit cuts so divisive when everyone is suffering and needs support, whatever their age.”
Reports suggest that ministers are contemplating minor adjustments to ease the impact of their contentious welfare reductions prior to an important vote in Parliament scheduled for next month.
It has been reported that one possible adjustment involves modifying the suggested PIP evaluation criteria. This way, people who obtain a high total score will still qualify, regardless of whether they fail to secure at least four points in any single category.
Michelle Cardno, who founded and advocates for [the organization], serves as an activist here. Fightback4Justice A nonprofit organization offering expertise on welfare benefits stated, "Linda's concerns are valid, and according to the newly suggested regulations, she might not be eligible for the daily living part of PIP."
Consequently, she noticed a significant decrease in both her household finances and personal well-being. Sadly, Linda is just one among numerous worried applicants who have reached out to our Fightback team ever since the shocking announcement was made.
Linda has spent her entire life working and has only just retired recently. Given her current state of poor health and persistent pain, she is unable to keep up with employment.
Read Next: The regions where applicants face the highest danger of benefit loss under PIP reform measures, illustrated on a map
“We have a duty to look after people like Linda when they become too ill and need social security to help them.
People have a right to social security — this principle is protected under our human rights legislation. This single alteration to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will wreak havoc on numerous families and the lives of vulnerable applicants, and the necessary support systems aren’t in place to assist individuals such as Linda.
The four-point rule doesn't require adjustments—it needs to be scrapped.
A representative from DWP stated: "Most individuals who are presently receiving PIP will keep getting it."
We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding individuals who rely on our assistance, and our reforms ensure that the social welfare system will consistently support those permanently unable to work, guaranteeing protection of their income.
We have additionally declared an evaluation of the PIP assessment process, and we shall collaborate with individuals with disabilities and crucial organizations advocating for them to determine the most effective approach to conduct this.
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