Disabled People Benefits System Support 2023-04-24
2023-04-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing welfare support.
What steps are being taken to support disabled people through the benefits system?
Our recent White Paper sets out our ambitions to create a better experience for disabled people when applying for, and receiving, health and disability benefits. Our proposals will transform support, so more disabled people can start, stay and succeed in work.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and details were not provided; only high-level ambitions mentioned.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent of the MP faced significant hurdles and delays in obtaining welfare support due to a dysfunctional assessment process.
What is being done to reform assessments and improve the way the benefits system works to help disabled people get the support they need without it feeling like a battle?
We aim to focus more on what people can do, removing structural barriers to work. Steps include linking expert assessors with particular conditions to help get decisions right first time, reducing assessment burdens, and making changes that prevent fear of losing entitlements.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or concrete steps mentioned; general statements provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Select Committee on Work and Pensions recommended that all assessments should be recorded to help rectify issues, supported by assessment providers.
Will the Minister give an assurance that he will give serious and sympathetic consideration to the recommendation for recording of assessments?
I am willing to look at allowing recordings of assessments but will not make specific commitments today, noting the importance of constructive work on welfare reforms. People can already record assessments if they choose.
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Assessment & feedback
No clear commitment or timeline given for recording assessments; willingness to consider mentioned without specifics.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Only 11 individuals are included in the severe disability test group, with little clarity on the definition of severe disability.
Can the Minister confirm today whether the number of individuals in the severe disability test group is correct, provide further details on qualification criteria, and confirm when the Department will start the roll-out?
Further detail to be provided separately. The severe disability group has an important role, recognizing challenging conditions that do not improve. Roll-out will start as part of White Paper reforms with testing and trialing commitments.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific confirmation or timeline given for roll-out; willingness to provide detail separately mentioned.
Response accuracy