During 1997, the Government announced its intention to check every person in receipt of the higher rate of Disability living allowance.
DDLG has had many reports of visits made to the disabled in respect of these checks. Even though it was announced later in 1997 that the genuine disabled were not to be targeted. So far this appears not to be the case.
The disabled have been advised that these tests are to be fair and unbiased, and in all reported "disabled/sick" cases, the recipient of such benefits has been first contacted by letter stating that a review is necessary to ensure they are getting the correct amount of benefits.
However, after the interview it appears that the Higher Rate of the Care Component is being cut to either the medium or lower rate in many cases.
Please do report to DDLG if you have had your benefits reduced.
To date, no cases of any extra benefit being given have been reported.
Please report to DDLG if you know of any cases where extra benefits have been awarded.
Only one review case has been reported to DDLG where the beneficiary is in receipt of Disability Working Allowance and Motability, and other benefits, whilst earning a salary at the same time to date. This does not mean that other disabled people who earn a salary are not being checked of course.
Another beneficiary who contacted DDLG has stated that he receives many of the above benefits as well as a good salary and has telephoned to the appropriate department, and was assured that he is entitled to such benefits and will not be subject to any review now, or in the near future. This claimant does not claim the care component of DLA.
At the moment it does appear that those who are being targeted are mainly the vulnerable sick disabled, the very group who are unable to work through illness as well as disability.
Apparently, disability alone is not a reason
to receive any DLA allowance if you are unable to actually work. It is
well worth remembering that there are many thousands of disabled people
who do work and receive some form of benefit.
It has been reported to us that there
are disabled couples who earn in excess of £60,000 per year and still
receive full motability and DLA benefits.
The Government must make it clear to the rest of us, are benefits for those fit and able to work or for those who are too sick to work?
Readers who know little about these benefits must be made to understand that a great many of the disabled who receive DLA have to live on these benefits alone. The payments fall just below the threshold for income support.
So life can be
very hard for a disabled person who has no savings or additional income.
Without these benefits life would be impossible.
The labour government have, while they have been in office promised a complete review of the current benefit system,
including disability benefits.
They have tried in vain to offer re-assurances
to the disabled.
While Labour have been in office there have been a number of interviews and press statements related to the disabled and benefit review plans.
In one such interview, it was suggested
that compulsory work for the disabled was not the issue.
It was announced
in parliament December 15th 1997 that Labour had no intention
of stopping benefits to those disabled who depended on them.
On the 14th December 1997 Tony Blair advised all in an Interview that Labour had no intention of taking benefits away from those in need.
In July 1998, Tony Blair made a press announcement regarding Labour's intention to continue their reform of the benefit system, including disability benefits.
It is very important that DDLG is informed of anyone who is working and receiving DWA and have a Motability car or payments and who has been assessed by a visit in the same way as those unable to work.
Please report to DDLG if you are in receipt of DLA and have had a benefits review interview or appointment letter. All details will be kept strictly confidential. We will keep you posted on the future aspect of Disability Benefits in the UK and how well Labour are going to fare on the caring in the community front.
Chairman
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