Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department has taken help claimants with muscular dystrophy complete forms for (a) personal independence payment, (b) universal credit and (c) employment support allowance.

PIP claims are assessed on the basis of functional need rather than health condition.

UC and ESA do not categorise referrals for a Work Capability Assessment by condition. Information on how a health condition affects their ability to perform everyday tasks is gathered by asking claimants to complete UC50/ESA50 (Limited Capability for Work Questionnaire).

In PIP, UC and ESA there are no specific claims processes designed for individual health conditions such as muscular dystrophy however the Department takes seriously the need to support vulnerable claimants with form completion as follows:

a) For PIP

As part of the PIP New Claims processes all customers, including those with muscular dystrophy, are asked if they have the support they need to make their claim and complete the application process. Claimants are offered additional support where appropriate and this is noted on their records to ensure they continue to receive the support they need throughout the PIP process.

b) For UC

If a claimant needs help with the completion of the UC50 there is help available from the Health Assessment Advisory Service.

We want the application process for Universal Credit to be as quick and easy as possible to ensure that claimants receive their money at the earliest opportunity. Comprehensive support is available to claimants to use our digital service, however we recognise there will be occasions when people are unable to make or maintain their claim online, so telephone support is available.

Universal Credit has been designed with a diverse range of claimants in mind and in these instances where digital access is not possible, information normally available through a claimant’s online account will be communicated in an alternative format, which is best suited to an individual’s circumstances. The initial verification can include a home visit to support a claimant with making their claim and completing any other administrative tasks required to ensure that they receive the correct payment.

Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland have supported over 200,000 individuals through ‘Help to Claim’ since April 2019, offering tailored and practical support to help people make a Universal Credit claim up to receiving their first full correct payment on time. ‘Help to Claim’ is available online, on the phone and face-to-face in locations including Jobcentres and Citizen’s Advice Bureaux.

c) For ESA

For new claims to ESA, assistance with form completion takes place over the telephone. For New Style ESA claims, Visiting Officer support is available to help complete claim forms if this cannot be done through support from family, friends and 3^rd parties or via support from a Work Coach in the Jobcentre.

If a claimant needs help with the completion of the ESA50 there is help available from the Health Assessment Advisory Service - if the claimant is deemed vulnerable we can consider requesting support by means of a DWP Visiting Officer.