Newsletter

Today, http://BenefitsandWork.co.uk published their latest newsletter. It details worrying changes to qualification guidelines for the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).  This website provides a wealth of free information to both members and non-members.

In addition to basic site access, http://BenefitsandWork.co.uk offer premium guides and full forum access to paid subscribers. If you are in the position of having to apply for DLA, Incapacity Benefit or ESA, their guides could be well worth the subscription fee.

Their newsletter is reproduced in full below.

We hadn’t intended to publish any newsletters in August, but the latest move by the coalition really does need an urgent response from you if you’re claiming incapacity benefit or employment and support allowance.

Back in April, when new labour was still in power, we warned that the secretary of state for work and pensions had approved plans to make the work capability assessment, the medical test for employment and support allowance, much harder to pass.  Our news was greeted with considerable scepticism on many forums and blogs, especially when we warned:

“The shock plans, for ‘simplifying’ the work capability assessment for employment and support allowance (ESA) include docking points from amputees who can lift and carry with their stumps. Claimants with speech problems who can write a sign saying, for example, ‘The office is on fire!’ will score no points for speech and deaf claimants who can read the sign will lose all their points for hearing.

“Meanwhile, for ‘health and safety reasons’ all points scored for problems with bending and kneeling are to be abolished and claimants who have difficulty walking can be assessed using imaginary wheelchairs.

“Claimants who have difficulty standing for any length of time will, under the plans, also have to show they have equal difficulty sitting, and vice versa, in order to score any points.  And no matter how bad their problems with standing and sitting, they will not score enough points to be awarded ESA.

“In addition, almost half of the 41 mental health descriptors for which points can be scored are being removed from the new ‘simpler’ test, greatly reducing the chances of being found incapable of work due to such things as poor memory, confusion, depression and anxiety.

“There are some improvements to the test under the plans, including exemptions for people likely to be starting chemotherapy and more mental health grounds for being admitted to the support group.  But the changes are overwhelmingly about pushing tens of thousands more people onto JSA.”

That’s what we warned back in April.  Well, those same new labour ‘simplifications’ have now been adopted by the coalition and the regulations have been put before the social security advisory committee (SSAC) for comment.  SSAC can make recommendations to the government about whether changes to the law should go ahead, but they cannot force the government to back down.

Very few ESA claimants will be left unaffected by these changes which will come into force on 28 March 2011, in time to disqualify thousands more incapacity benefits claimants transferring to ESA.

Members can read the detailed breakdown of the huge changes – even the walking descriptors have been abolished and replaced with descriptors relating to the ability to ‘mobilise’ – which we wrote back in April:

Even harsher new ESA medical approved (This article is members only)

Please note: there may have been some minor alterations to the proposed changes since that article was written – the SSAC document is almost 200 pages long and we haven’t had time to read it all, but any differences will be very minor.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

In the end, if the government are determined to force these changes through in defiance of any advice they receive then can do so.  But that’s not a reason to fail to put forward your objections both to the way the WCA is currently working and to the proposed changes.

At the very least it will prove that there are thousands of people who are outraged by this increasingly cynical scapegoating of sick and disabled claimants and who are not afraid to speak out.

And there’s no doubt that some backbench LibDem MPs are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the direction the coalition is taking in relation to benefits.  Your reasoned objections may give them the courage to finally challenge the millionaires club that is the current cabinet.

SSAC CONSULTATION

If you want to comment on the proposed changes to the WCA, then you need to contact SSAC.  You can read more about their consultation and download the draft regulations

or you can just send your opinions to this email address:

ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

not later than 10 September.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW  OF THE WCA

When ESA was introduced, one of the few concessions forced on the government was that there should be an independent review of the work capability assessment every year for the first five years.  That review is now being conducted by Professor Malcolm Harrington.  He wants to hear from people who have evidence to offer about how well the work capability is working and how fair it is at the moment, regardless of any proposed changes.  You can read a lot more about the review.

or you can just send your views and experiences of the work capability assessment to Professor Harrington at this address:

wca.evidence@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

You need to send your evidence not later than 10 September and make it clear whether you are responding as an individual or as a representative of an organisation.  You might also want to comment on the cynicism of the government in making the test even harsher before the first report is even written.

MIND CONSULTATION

MIND are also planning to provide evidence to Professor Harrington’s review as part of an ongoing campaign to improve benefits for people with mental health conditions.  They are keen to hear from Benefits and Work newsletter readers who have a mental health condition.

Tom Pollard from Mind’s Policy and Campaigns team told us:

“We will be working hard over the coming months to bring about a fairer and more supportive system of disability benefits and back to work schemes for people mental health conditions.

“Benefits and Work plays a vital role in this process through the advice, information and assistance they provide to their members. Our work is greatly strengthened by real-life case studies and so it would be great if Benefits and Work readers can let us know about their experiences of the WCA (including the appeals process). Please get in touch at t.pollard@mind.org.uk or 02082152424. You can read more about our work on this issue and how you can get involved here”

The sooner you can contact Tom the better, as MIND will need time to gather your evidence and put it in their report.

We do think it’s a real tribute to the willingness of Benefits and Work members to respond to consultations and requests from journalists that you are now being approached by national charities for help in compiling reports.  So, many thanks to all of you who take the time and trouble to share your experiences.

FORUMS
Unfortunately it will be necessary to close the forums the end of this week until September due to illness and unavailability of moderators.  We can only apologise for this.  If there are existing members of the site with experience of giving information and advice about benefits who would be interested in lending a hand, please do get in touch.

FINALLY
We know a lot of people are very concerned about the prospect of ‘bounty hunters’ being let loose on claimants, as  reported in the national press.  We hope to be able to bring you some accurate information in the very near future about what’s really going to happen.

This newsletter is also available online.

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/latest-news/1238-16-august-newsletter

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

(c) 2010 Steve Donnison. Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd.  Company registration No.  5962666

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter on your website or blog, provided you do so in full.

Openness Statement

I am not affiliated to http://BenefitsAndWork.co.uk and the links on this page are direct, not affiliate links. I am not currently a paid member of the site.

Follow DisabledPeople.org on Facebook: http://jfi.me/DPFB

Today’s newsletter from Scope brings news of their latest campaign about access to public transport.  Scope started out life as a charity campaigning and raising awareness about Cerebral Palsy.  Recently they have expanded their campaigns to a more general Disability message including their successful Disablism campaign.

Scope’s website makes an interesting read. Find it here: http://jfi.me/Z

Disabled Drivers

Mobilise was formed a few years ago following a merger of the Disabled Drivers Association (DDA) and the Disabled Drivers Motor Club (DDMC).  Since the two organisations represented a similar demographic group, it made sense for them to join rather than compete with each other.

With the merger came an opportunity to modernise the image of the two clubs and at the same time, they expanded their remit to cover all road users – Disabled Drivers, Passengers and Blue Badge Holders.

What Does Mobilise Do?

Mobilise is a campaigning and lobbying organisation that aims to shape the policies that affect their members.  They are involved with big campaigns like BayWatch, Hospital Parking as well as fighting for the rights of Blue Badge Holders and accessibility at Petrol Stations.  Their website goes into detail but they state that they have categorised their campaigns under the three banners of Driving, Parking and Re-Fueling.

As well as the big campaigns, Mobilise is there to support its membership.  To do this they produce a monthly magazine and a number of information leaflets.  They also provide a telephone helpline and will happily advocate on behalf of individuals.

As well as advice and information, there are a number of  “Club Benefits”.  These range from discounted web shopping to insurance and car purchase deals.  Of particular note is their ability to negotiate car ferry discounts and the club runs its own travel booking service.

Further Information

Mobilise membership costs from £16 a year, a fee that can easily be recouped from ferry fares.

Much more information can be found on their website:  http://mobilise.info

Royal National Institute of Blind People

All of the major disability charities have a strong web presence and the RNIB are no exception to this.  The aim of the RNIB is to support blind and partially sighted people and they advertise a variety of ways that they can do this on their site.  There is a wealth of information on the site itself and they advertise a dedicated helpline on: 0303 123 9999.

The site is easy to navigate, split into sections for blind and partially sighted people, professionals working with blind and partially sighted people and general education and information about eye problems and conditions.  If you are unsure which part of the site is going to be most useful for you, there is an alternative method of navigation based around the visitors background and reason for visiting.

Of course, there is also loads of information about the work of the RNIB as well as clear ideas for getting involved and donating money.

Shop Online

The shopping section of the website is particularly impressive.  Many charity websites have sections that are full of “useful gifts and accessories”.  It often appears that little thought has been put into the wares on offer, that they are there just in the hope that someone might be tempted to buy.  I’m sure you’ve seen several sites with mugs and tea towels that can only be distinguished by the name of the “Good Cause” on the front.

The RNIB is different though.  There is nothing on the site that doesn’t have true value and I’m sure there are many items that it would be difficult to find elsewhere.  Here, you will find everything from watches and clocks, kitchen accessories and computing equipment to audio players and magnifiers plus a huge amount more.

Books

There is also a dedicated book section which looks like a kind of lending library for audio books.  Without going into too much detail, the system involves an annual subscription which entitles members to download and play any number of books from the site (although you can only have 5 at a time).  If you prefer, you can ask for a copy of these books to be sent out on CD instead of streaming it directly to your computer.  There is also a range of Large Print Books available through the scheme.

Conclusion

The RNIB site is well worth a visit if you have an interest either as someone who is blind or partially sighted or someone who want to find out more.  There is a lot of information about the charity, the work they do and how you can get involved with fundraising or other work that the charity does.

The shop has a variety of products aimed primarily at people with sight problems but that could be of interest to a wider audience.  As an example, I bought a dosette style pill organiser a couple of years ago.  It was the only place I could find what I wanted.  Two compartments a day for a week.  It’s still doing sterling service.  Just as well really, they no longer sell them!

Website

http://rnib.org.uk

Cars For Disabled People

Motability is a UK charity set up to help Disabled People keep mobile.  The main scheme that they operate allows DLA – High Rate Mobility Allowance recipients to swap their allowance for a new car.

The scheme works by taking your DLA (High Rate Mobility) and using it to pay the contract payments of the car that you choose.  If your allowance is not enough to meet the cost of the contract, then Motability charges you an “Advance Payment” to make up the shortfall.  Although it is possible to get a car with no advance payment, most of the cars on offer do involve some level of extra payment.

What’s Included

• A new car of your choice every three years
• Road Fund Licence (Car Tax) is included and arranged for you
• Servicing and Maintenance is included
• Tyres are included and changed free of charge at your home (or wherever you choose)
• Full UK Breakdown Cover
• Insurance is included (although some cars may have restrictions)

Not Covered:

• Petrol/Diesel
• Other consumables – oil, screenwash etc.

Do I Qualify?

To qualify for any vehicle through Motability you must be in receipt of the Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance at the Higher Rate.  You must have at least 12 months of award remaining when you start on the scheme.

Do I Need To Drive?

No.  You can nominate two drivers one of which can be you but doesn’t have to be.  The rules say that the car has to be used for your benefit but you don’t always have to be in the vehicle when it is used.

What Else Does Motability Offer?

In addition to the main Contract Hire Scheme for Cars, Motability also offers a Hire Purchase Scheme for Cars (essentially a loan scheme).

You can also use Motability to purchase a Motorised Wheelchair or Scooter.  In a similar way to the Car Schemes, there is a Contract Hire or Hire Purchase Scheme.

More Information?

Visit the Motability website at:  http://www.motability.co.uk

The Royal Association for Disability Rights

RADAR is a national network of disability organisations and disabled people.  In the main their members are other disability organisations although you can join as an individual.  They campaign for the rights of all disabled people and have lobbying access to Westminster and Whitehall.  They support the campaigns of their member organisations as well as creating their own.  They currently advertise a membership of over 800 disability organisations representing over 11 million disabled people in the UK.

What Can They Do For Me?

RADAR frequently pop up in the news but they are probably best known for their toilets!  RADAR administrate the National Key Scheme (NKS).  This is the scheme that encourages the use of a common key for all publicly available disabled toilets.  They provide the locks to anyone wishing to fit them and they sell keys to disabled people wanting to use the toilets.  In addition to this, they produce a regularly updated guide to all disabled toilets in the country with RADAR locks fitted.

RADAR Key

As well as their keys, RADAR produce a number of publications that are of use to disabled people generally but specifically newly disabled people.

From personal experience, I must say that I found their guide “If Only I’d Known That A Year Ago…” extremely useful.  The guide is regularly updated (the current edition is 2009) and includes a lot of useful information and contact details.  Bought individually, it costs £12.60 including UK delivery.

In addition to “If Only I’d Known That A Year Ago…” RADAR produces a number of other publications:

• Children First – Information on services for disabled children.
• There and Back – A guide to travelling by Air, Road, Rail and Sea.
• Get Motoring – A guide to buying and owning a car.
• Get Mobile – A guide to buying a Scooter or Motorised Wheelchair.
• Get Caravanning – Produced with help from the Caravan Club, this is a FREE guide to caravanning from a disabled person’s perspective.
• Doing IT Differently – About Computers and IT.
• Doing Money Differently – Managing money while living with ill-health, injury or disability.
• Doing Work Differently – Getting and keeping a job whilst living with ill-health, injury or disability.

Individual Membership

RADAR publications and keys are available from the shop section on their website.  If you want in a key and one or more of their publications, it is worth considering their Individual Membership.  They give a key to all their members and make their publications available free of charge, you just have to ask for them.

Where To Find RADAR

• Homepage:   http://www.radar.org.uk
• Shop:   http://radar-shop.org.uk