16 August 2023
The Sheffield Autism Partnership Network, which aims to build a better Sheffield for people with autism, recently held a network session on access to benefits and produced a document, Getting the Benefits You Deserve. It’s about applying for a Personal Independence Payment and what to do if your application is turned down.
FULL ARTICLE17 March 2023
A major national anti-poverty charity – Turn2Us – are seeking the stories of those who have successfully claimed PIP so that others can be encouraged to make a claim. Turn2us is known for its online tools to help people understand and access their rights and are developing a new online tool to help people claim.
FULL ARTICLE25 October 2022
Following considerable delays in the processing of new Personal Independence Payment claims the Department of Work and Pensions has announced making an extension of up to a year to existing PIP awards approaching their end of award date.This decision provides greater certainty for claimants and in particular helps with continuing to access other support for example a blue badge or travel pass.
FULL ARTICLE26 April 2022
The Department for Work and Pensions is reviewing many Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims lodged by D/deaf people since August 2020.The review will take account of an Upper Tribunal judgement which increased the numbers of D/deaf people obtaining the benefit. Applicants do not need to provide any further evidence or attend an assessment and awards will be backdated.
FULL ARTICLE16 November 2021
Amid continuing concerns about the problems being experienced by disabled people making claims, the Work and Pensions Committee has launched a survey to hear about first-hand experiences of claiming PIP or ESA.It is open to everyone who has had an assessment to claim PIP or who has had a Work Capability Assessment, either to claim ESA or as part of a Universal Credit claim.The survey is open until mid February 2022
FULL ARTICLE08 October 2020
Personal Independence Payment assessments taking place over the phone are now to be recorded following the ‘On the Record’ campaign spearheaded by DPAC Sheffield, the local branch of campaigning organisation Disabled People Against Cuts and supported by Disability Sheffield. There had been much controversy over these assessments with claims of dishonesty and many people’s benefits being cut or removed altogether.
FULL ARTICLE06 February 2020
If you want to really show your support for DPAC Sheffield and their campaign to ensure Personal Independence Payments interviews are recorded you can now get it on your chest. The local branch of Disabled People Against Cuts has now had t-shirts printed bearing the slogan ‘Put PIP assessments on the record’ which you can buy for £10, or £13 if you need it posted. Money raised will go towards their crowdfunder to buy equipment which can be lent out to disabled people applying for the benefit
FULL ARTICLE12 January 2020
If you’re having a Personal Independence Payments assessment you now have the option of borrowing recording equipment from Disability Sheffield to get your interview taped – thanks to the local branch of campaigning organisation Disabled People Against Cuts.Please note that you have to inform the assessment company three working days in advance that you intend recording the meeting.
FULL ARTICLE30 October 2019
Campaigners calling for compulsory recording of Personal Independence Payments assessments have taken matters into their own hands – by loaning out equipment to disabled people who want to get theirs taped. DPAC Sheffield, the local branch of national organisation Disabled People Against Cuts organised a crowdfunding appeal to purchase equipment and raised enough to buy two sets, although they are now hoping to buy more.The service is backed by and was launched at Disability Sheffield’s office at The Circle in Sheffield city centre. The first disabled person to use the equipment was a Disability Sheffield volunteer.
FULL ARTICLE04 October 2019
This petition asks for a review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process claiming that evidence shows that people with epilepsy are disproportionately discriminated against during the assessment process. Of those people who have epilepsy and previously received Disability Living Allowance, 54% were denied PIP, this is the second highest rejection rate out of all health conditions and double the national average.
FULL ARTICLE