In December, two independent tribunal courts ruled that people who find it difficult to leave the house because of anxiety should be able to receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The government has moved to overturn this decision and brought forward legislation that would stop the court’s judgement from coming into effect. These changes could result in many brain injury survivors who suffer anxiety when planning or following journeys receiving a lower payment, or losing the benefit altogether.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: “Psychological distress, such as anxiety, following brain injury is not uncommon. We are extremely concerned with this latest example of the welfare benefit system failing people with hidden disabilities.
“Anxiety and other forms of psychological distress can make it very difficult for many brain injury survivors to lead independent lives. It is vital, therefore, that they are given every support to do so and being able to qualify for the mobility component of PIP can play an important role in this.”
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