DWP Work Capability Assessment consultation — our response

Protesters outside a large building. Women hold the WinVisible banner, next to people holding a red Unite Community Haringey & Barnet branch banner. Our placards say: "Hands off substantial risk to health, protection for claimants. Benefit cuts are killing us! DWP Deliberate Destitution of Kids and Mums is State cruelty. Remembered -- Elaine Morrall, single mum of 4, killed by UC sanction Nov 2017. " A policeman leans against the wall.

On Monday 30 October, we took part in the protest outside the DWP building, and then in the road, against tightening the Work Capability Assessment and say: “No More Deaths from Benefit Cuts”. It was called by Disabled People Against Cuts, joined by John from Black Triangle (Scotland), Unite Community claimant groups across London, and … Read more

Tues 25 April — Support Helen at court vs DWP auto deductions for energy bills

On Tuesday 25 April, we’re joining Fuel Poverty Action, Disabled People Against Cuts and others in support of Helen Timson, a disabled woman who successfully challenged benefit deductions by the DWP done without her knowledge or consent — the DWP is now appealing against this. Vigil details: Time: 9.15-10.15am and 12-2pm — WinVisible joining at … Read more

Woman on dialysis won full PIP — despite DWP saying she must go to tribunal

WinVisible supported Ms S, a woman with end-stage kidney failure on dialysis, in her fight to get full PIP.  We helped cut through the DWP’s resistance, who were pressuring her to accept less than she actually needs. She won over £4,000 backdated benefit. Ms S says: “I can’t thank T and C enough for all … Read more

London Councils: Don’t penalise Taxicard users for DWP delay

A disabled mum won back her Taxicard — which was unfairly cancelled by London Councils due to DWP delays with her PIP reassessment — with support from us and her MP. Together, we have now written to London Councils asking them not to treat it as a one-off, but to change their policy for everyone … Read more

Shock of PIP reassessment too soon

“I am currently ending an inpatient stay, due to a crisis brought on by the requirement to complete a PIP review. The papers arrived 11 months earlier than expected, claim due to end Feb 2023, papers arrived April 2022 to be completed in two weeks,” says Ms X.  “My PIP award is till 25/02/23 but … Read more

Errol Graham: Starved man’s family criticise High Court ruling

Shared from BBC East Midlands: The family of a man who starved to death after his benefits were cut has vowed to fight on, despite losing a High Court challenge. Errol Graham starved to death in his Nottingham flat in 2018, eight months after his employment support allowance (ESA) was withdrawn. His family argued the … Read more

Disabled woman wins year-long battle with DWP after PIP cancer ordeal

Many thanks to Disability News Service for your coverage of Rita’s benefit win with WinVisible’s help — shared below.  A great response on Twitter. By John Pring on 6th August 2020 A disabled woman of colour had her disability benefits removed for failing to attend a face-to-face assessment, even though she had repeatedly explained that she was not … Read more

COVID-19: disability benefit phone assessments to continue?

We’re sharing the 17 June update from our friends at Benefits and Work welfare rights site.  Opinions are by Benefits and Work, we’ve added comments below. “MINISTER REFUSES TO CONFIRM FACE-TO-FACE ASSESSMENT BAN WILL CONTINUE” Mystery surrounds how long telephone assessments for PIP and ESA are to continue after a government minister refused to give … Read more

Face-to-face interviews suspended — Mind says stop reassessments too

Shared from the Guardian Benefits assessment suspension does not go far enough, says charity Efforts to fight coronavirus not sufficient to protect vulnerable, according to Mind Patrick Butler Social policy editor Mon 16 Mar 2020 ‘The mental health charity Mind has said the government’s suspension of face-to-face benefit assessments as part of efforts to fight coronavirus … Read more

Bedroom tax: DWP can’t appeal vs DV mum at European Court

The government cruelly appeals against every court win which upholds our benefit rights and protects vulnerable claimants.  But the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has refused the DWP permission to appeal against the mum fleeing domestic violence and her son, who finally won against the bedroom tax at the ECHR … Read more