Health assessment delays leaving people 'forgotten'

A foodbank manager in Brighton says delays in health assessment decisions has left people struggling with their mental health and falling into debt.

Laurel Nathan said she knew more than a dozen people who were entitled to double the standard universal credit payments they are receiving because of disability or health conditions.

In June, 350,000 people across the UK were waiting for a work capability assessment decision - up 23% on the previous year - according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The DWP said the system was under review and it was committed to replacing it and "turning the tide on poverty".

Nathan said people needing help to put food on the table in Whitehawk and Hollingdean were feeling "forgotten and overlooked".

She said: "I'm watching people's mental health decline. I'm watching people become suicidal. That's how far I would go and that's not exaggerating.

"I'm watching people suffering on a mental, physical and human level because they're a product of a system that is making them wait for something they're already entitled to."

She added "People are getting £300 a month to live off for all bills, all medical needs, all food.

"That's not enough and the sums don't add up."

Christine has been waiting six months for a health reassessment decision following the death of her partner, with whom she had a joint claim.

She said after buying the products she needs to manage her health conditions, she was left with just £40 a month to live on.

Other than visiting the foodbank once a week, Christine says she avoids going out because she cannot afford the bus fares.

She said "It's causing a lot of anxiety. It makes me feel really upset because I wish I could do more, but obviously I can't.

"I would like the government to walk in my shoes. I have to decide between going without what I need for my health or going without eating."

Leigh has been waiting nine months for a decision after suffering a brain injury.

During that time she said she has fallen into debt with utility companies and has "maxxed out" three credit cards.

She said she has sold jewellery, clothes and furniture to try to make ends meet.

"It's very demoralising and makes me feel angry at the system", she said.

"It's not like they're going to backdate it and all my worries will go away

"It's ongoing, there's no time limit and so there's no end to the dark tunnel I'm looking at."

Chris Ward, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, called the delays "unacceptable" and said he would raise the issue when Parliament returns next week.

"This is far too common. I see this in my surgeries, I see it every week", he said.

"This is about getting support to people who need it and deserve it and the social security system just isn't doing that at the moment."

Universal credit health claimants are at a record high of 3.6m people.

In a statement, the DWP said it knew waiting for work capability assessments can be a "difficult time" and the Timms Review was looking at reforming the system.

It said in addition to increasing the proportion of face-to-face assessments it is also extending the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review period to help tackle the backlog.

PIP can be paid regardless of whether someone is waiting for a WCA or not, it said.

The government's £1bn Crisis Resilience Fund can be used by councils to run schemes such as benefit support checks to help everyone understand what they're entitled to.

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