When questioned by news outlets about the difficulties claimants have when making welfare benefit claims, we are always pleased to offer our open accounts of our experiences as we hope that our voice can help people through the difficult claims process. We were more than happy to comment on Asama Day’s coverage of Sarah Drinkwater’s story.

Content warning: this article contains graphic medical images. Quotes are direct from the article and have been shared by Fightback to highlight our involvement.

Aasma Day of news covered the story of Sarah Drinkwater, ‘a mother who was awarded personal independence payment (PIP) for stomach issues has revealed that when she applied for a change in circumstances after a serious brain condition, her benefits stopped as she wasn’t deemed ill enough.’

As uncovered by Asama in the article, ‘Sarah is on more than 20 tablets a day, as well as morphine for the pain she suffers. Due to her health conditions, she is unable to leave the house on her own or without her 28-year-old son, who is her full-time carer who helps her go to the toilet and get dressed.’

As part of the article, Michelle commented that “Sadly, we’ve had quite a few clients with brain conditions including brain tumours who have been given no points on mandatory reconsideration because they can do certain things on occasion.

“It is down to a DWP failing and a failing of PIP assessors to recognise the severity of the condition and the symptoms of treatment as well.

“The problem is they are very black and white in the way they look at things use set criteria and things are not always black and white as everyone is affected differently by their conditions.”

You can read the whole article HERE