A furious mother has said benefits officials have not accepted a letter from a doctor to prove that her severely disabled daughter is not fit for work.
Lisa Devine is a full-time carer for Erin, 18, who was born with microcephaly – a neurological condition which means her head is significantly smaller than average because her brain has not developed properly. She also has learning difficulties, cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
But Lisa, 43, says after applying for Universal Credit disability benefits, she has been told GP sick notes are not enough and an assessment needs to be carried out to see whether Erin had limited capacity for work.
‘Jump through hoops’
Lisa, of Blantyre, Lanarkshire, accused the Department for Work and Pensions of forcing vulnerable families to “jump through hoops”.
She said: “Erin can’t go anywhere on her own. She couldn’t walk down the street independently.
“She needs an adult to help with personal care and she needs to be encouraged to eat or drink.
“She has absolutely no sense of danger or road safety and I am her full-time, round-the-clock carer.
“But we suddenly have to prove Erin can’t work. It’s a disgrace. We provided a sick note but were told it wasn’t enough despite our GP confirming her conditions are lifelong. We’re still expected to provide additional ongoing sick notes while the assessment take place.”
Stress making her ill
Lisa said it had left her worrying about Erin’s long-term care.
She added: “The most vulnerable in society aren’t being protected. The stress of it is making me ill.”
Tory social security spokesman, Craig Hoy, said: “Vulnerable families are being made to prove they need help while suspected cheats are not being properly pursued.
“John Swinney needs to get his priorities straight.”
DWP response
The DWP said: “We recognise how difficult this situation must be for Ms Devine and her daughter.
“Supporting disabled people is our top priority, which is why we have put additional support in place, ensured the right safeguards are available, and switched off work-related requirements while her circumstances are being considered.
“We are also working to progress this case as quickly and sensitively as possible while making sure she receives the support she needs.”
Erin’s case follows that of disabled Connor Donnelly, from Mauchline, Ayrshire. His parents faced problems after making a UC claim as he turned 18. They were eventually told no more work related requirements would be attached to his benefit.
