Benefit Checks Harming Scots With MS

Concerns have been raised about the assessments used to check if people in the UK with multiple sclerosis are still entitled to benefits.

More than a third of those questioned by the MS Society felt their condition got worse through the stress.

Assessments for the Personal Independence Payment, as it's known, were particularly controversial.

Figures show MS diagnosis rates in Fife have been rising - up from 29 in 2010 to 32 last year.

Morna Simpkins, Director of the MS Society Scotland, said: “It is simply not good enough that people in Scotland who have MS are being forced to make difficult choices between heating their homes or attending hospital appointments. 

“People with MS need and deserve more from their welfare system. 

“The UK Government needs to recognise the reality of living with MS and make basic, common sense changes, fast.

“We also need the Scottish Government to join our fight for those who face poverty, inequalities and discrimination due to the failures of the current system.  

“In addition to this, we are in a time of unique opportunity with much public hope for the creation of a fairer and more equal Scotland through the devolution of new social security and employment powers. 

“By recognising the failures in the current system, we hope that Scotland will be better placed to create a new and fairer system for people with MS. To achieve this we want to see people with MS at the heart of this work.”

Experts say living with a chronic, disabling and neurological condition such as MS is hard. It is also expensive. There are often substantial extra costs, such as accessible transport, specialist equipment, and help with household activities.

The leading charity also found that:

• 50% felt changes to disability benefits have had a negative impact on them
• 25% have cut down on gas and electricity
• 47% have cut down on socialising with family and friends 
• 91% found the process of claiming disability benefits stressful, which can lead to an MS relapse.
• Nearly a third do not claim all the benefits the need because of stigma 

The MS Society Scotland has a strong message for the Scottish Parliament as it plans for the further transfer of powers under the Scotland Bill:

• To see a welfare system in Scotland which does not threaten the financial security of people affected by MS. 
• The Scotland Bill must legislate for the transfer of powers from the UK to Scottish Parliament. 
• We want people with MS to be at the heart of shaping the new powers. 
• We want to see a Scotland which creates a more level playing field for people affected by MS; where the welfare system is appropriate and people can live free from discrimination and stigma. 
• We ask that the UK Government provides greater clarity on the freedom and powers of Scotland to set discrete social policy without their sign-off.