Meningitis limb loss boy told to prove disability

The family of a teenager who lost his arms and

legs from meningitis were shocked when told

he had to prove he still needed a disability

payment.

Edward Bright, from Ripley, Derbyshire, lost his

limbs when he was seven and needs help with

much of his life.

When he turned 16 and reapplied for a benefit he

was told he had to attend a meeting to be

assessed.

The Department for Work and Pensions has now

said a face-to-face meeting is not necessary.

Edward's family claimed disability living allowance

(DLA) on his behalf to help towards the added

cost of life as a quad-amputee but when he

turned 16 he had to reapply for a personal

independence payment (PIP).

The family were horrified to receive a letter calling

him to a meeting with an assessor in Derby and

threatening to withdraw the money if he did not

attend.

His dad Steve said: "He has already been through

all the assessments. Nothing has changed [in his

situation] in the last seven years; nothing will

change, so being called in to interviews every year

is pointless.

"People with disabilities have enough

appointments anyway. You should reach a level

when it's flagged up on the system: no more

interviews needed."

Since the family's case featured in the Daily

Mirror, the Department of Work and Pensions

has admitted the assessment is unnecessary.

"All DLA claimants are invited to apply for the

working-age benefit Personal Independence

Payment when they turn 16. In this instance a

paper-based assessment has been completed and

there is no need for a face-to-face assessment.

"We've tried to call the Brights numerous times to

make clear there's no need to attend a meeting

on Monday. A letter has been sent through the

post."