Leicester: Disabled woman loses all benefits after DWP phone assessment

A disabled woman says she cannot afford food or heating after the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) cut all her benefits following a phone assessment.

Sandra Cutland said her Personal Independence Payment (PIP), totalling £600 a month, was stopped in November.

The 56-year-old, from Braunstone in Leicester, said she had been unable to work for 30 years because of numerous disabilities.

The DWP said it had made "the right decision".

Mrs Cutland said her appeal had been dismissed by the DWP and she now planned to take the matter to a benefits tribunal.

"I'm absolutely desperate," she said.

"I haven't got money for food and bills and I don't know what to do."

She said the only money she and her husband David, 63, now had was his income support after his carer's payments were also halted.

"I have 25 different disabilities," she said. "I do well if I can walk to the garden gate and I simply cannot work but the DWP thinks I can."

Mrs Cutland, who has osteoarthritis in her knees and hip and scoliosis, said: "I'm sure the person who did my phone assessment got it wrong. It was really bad.

"I couldn't understand his questions and he could understand my answers.

"There was never an issue when the assessments were face-to-face. It was clear I can't work.

"I know there are people out there scheming the benefits system and don't need the money but I am not one of them."

A DWP spokesman confirmed a mandatory reconsideration of Mrs Cutland's case had upheld the decision to stop her benefits.

He said: "We support millions of people with disabilities every year and we are committed to assessing people as quickly as possible to ensure they receive the support to which they are entitled.

"Our disability assessors are all qualified health professionals and in the majority of cases - whether that is by phone or in a face-to-face interview - we make the right decision.

"If someone disagrees with an assessment, they can ask for this to be reconsidered and appeal to an independent tribunal."

Mrs Cutland has also been told she will lose her mobility scooter, provided through the Motability scheme, on Monday as a result of her benefits being stopped.

She added: "It's just one thing after another. I'm distressed and angry and need help."

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