MPs and Peers joined us to hear about the unique issues that people with Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's face when applying for PIP and the solutions needed to make PIP fit for purpose.
During the event, we heard from Sheila, who lives with Crohn’s Disease and whose PIP claim was rejected earlier this year. Her story is one we hear frequently of a system difficult to navigate, with criteria that do not reflect the reality of living with Crohn’s or Colitis and assessors with little understanding of these conditions.
During the event we called on parliamentarians to support us make the case to:
- Scrap the 50% rule which overlooks the fluctuating nature of many long-term conditions, including Crohn’s and Colitis.
- Refine the descriptors to reflect the very real and debilitating impact of Crohn’s and Colitis on people’s lives.
- End the use of informal observations in Personal Independent Payment assessment.
- Ensure that the assessors receive high quality condition-specific training which has been coproduced with patient charities and clinicians, and quality assured by DWP.
One of the most common concerns MPs hear from constituents is about PIP. It's clear something has to change to stop all of the incorrect decisions, and the stress that it causes for people living with conditions like MS, Parkinson's and Crohn's and Colitis
Charlotte Nichols - Member of Parliament for Warrington North
You can find out more about this work in our joint briefing for the event here.
We will continue to campaign to make sure that benefits work for people with Crohn’s and Colitis. If you would like to share your experience of the PIP process, please contact media@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk or share your story.
