An Inverness woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) has criticised the “degrading” benefits process which she says has “penalised” her for trying to live her life.
Mum-of-one Emma Townsend, 33, was diagnosed with relapsing MS in 2016 after experiencing symptoms for a number of years, and has spoken out on how the personal independence payment (PIP) assessment failed her.
She said a government assessment didn’t reflect her condition’s fluctuating nature and was based solely on the fact that she felt fine on the day she was tested.
This resulted in her losing out on support payments.
“Quite frankly it didn’t reflect my MS and it was degrading,” she said.
“The report just seemed to suggest that if you look OK then you must be fine.”
She added: “I’m a mum and looking after a seven-year-old isn’t something that’s optional.
“Life doesn’t stop when you have MS but PIP makes it feel as though it should.
“You’re penalised for trying to live your life.”
Director of MS Society Scotland, Morna Simpkins said: “We’ve long known about the enormous harm caused when PIP takes vital support away from people with MS.
“Not only does the process lack respect for people and their lives but arbitrary and nonsensical conditions can deprive people of vital support.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We are spending £84m more a year on PIP and DLA for claimants with MS compared to 10 years ago. Under PIP, 52% of MS claimants receive the highest level of support.
“In addition we will help PIP claimants by introducing a minimum review period and we’ve scrapped unnecessary reviews for those with the highest needs and pensioners. Our planned Green Paper will go further as we continue to improve the experience for people with health conditions and disabilities.”