Vulnerable claimants are being left without cash because the appeals process is lengthy and complex
Evidence new benefits rules are affecting the most vulnerable, often wrongly, has been detailed in a report by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS).
The report highlights cases across Scotland where sick and disabled clients have been left in hardship waiting for appeal decisions to be made after being judged fit for work under new welfare rules.
Though many clients are successful when challenging these decisions, the charity has hit out at the appeal process for being lengthy, complex and discouraging.
If claimants disagree with a decision the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), they have four weeks to ask for a reconsideration of the decision.
This issue is not an obscure technical glitch. It is a real barrier to the rights of vulnerable people to challenge and correct a flawed decision that has left them in poverty
The report details the case of one CAB client who had been living on porridge for two weeks because their benefits had been stopped until the outcome of the appeal.
Another had been left from January until April with no benefits because the DWP could not trace his appeal application despite requesting regular updates.
If claimants disagree with a decision the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), they have four weeks to ask for a reconsideration of the decision.
On the other hand, the DWP have no timescales within which they have to respond.
CAS policy officer Beth Reid said evidence shows that the system in practice is making it harder for claimants to resolve disputes, not easier, and is leaving many claimants and their families in poverty for weeks or even months.
She said: “If claimants disagree with a decision the DWP has made about their benefit, they have four weeks to ask for a reconsideration.
“On the other hand, the DWP has no timescales."
While the DWP say it aims to process appeals within 16 working days, for many it is far longer.
Reid added: “This issue is not an obscure technical glitch. It is a real barrier to the rights of vulnerable people to challenge and correct a flawed decision that has left them in poverty.”
A DWP spokesperson said the system had been fairly evaluated with most claimants receiving an outcome within the required timeframe.
