Beaminster: Cancer survivor told she is fit for work and loses benefits (From Thisisdorset)

Beaminster: Cancer survivor told she is fit for work and loses benefits

10:00am Saturday 28th January 2012 in Latest By Rene Gerryts

A DIABETIC woman who survived breast cancer and has a degenerative spinal condition has been told she is fit for work despite not being able to walk properly.

Barbara Denning, of Tunnel Road, Beaminster, said she had been receiving employment and support allowance for four years when she was told to go for a medical examination in Yeovil.

The 59-year-old said that after failing to score enough ‘points’ she is now on no benefits at all.

She said: “I have been off work for four years as I have degenerative spinal problems.

“They put you on a point system.

“To receive the benefit you have to score 15 points and I only scored 12.

“They say I am fit for work but I have a job to walk.

“I can’t walk the length of a double decker bus.

“I use a crutch around the house and outside because I fall down and yet they deem me fit for work.”

She added: “I have nothing. I have to appeal but what do I do for now?

“There is nothing I can do until my appeal is heard. This is ridiculous, they don’t explain anything.

“Something has got to be done.

“It is getting beyond a joke.

“You can’t trust the government.

“I had breast cancer in 2001 and had a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy and it all started after that.

“The chemotherapy caused trouble with my pancreas. I finished the chemo in March and I was then told I was diabetic in the October and then I started having back trouble.”

Bridport Citizens Advice manager Martin Paley said it was disturbing that they were seeing increasing numbers of people who were in benefit ‘limbo’.

He said: “We are experiencing a marked increase in cases where people have been turned down for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and they are left with no benefit entitlement.

“They can appeal against the decision and this has to be done within a month.

“In extreme cases of hardship they can apply for a Crisis Loan from DWP.

“We would ask all clients who experience such problems as this to get in touch with their local CAB as soon as possible, where help can be given.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are reforming the welfare system to ensure no one is left trapped on benefits.

“We will continue to give unconditional support to people who are disabled or too sick to work and anyone who is able to work will get specialist help through the Work Programme.

“Anyone who disagrees with their assessment can appeal and present further evidence.”