New social security system must work for people with mental health problems, says charity
A lifeline benefit is poorly designed for people with mental health problems.
Researchers have shown that the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) system is not working for some of those who need it most.
A report published by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) damned the system which is being devolved to Holyrood next year.
It is part of the charity’s submission to the Scottish Government’s consultation on social security in Scotland which aims at creating a new Scottish welfare system.
I hope that the insight can inform a new, more human rights based approach to providing social security
To shape the report SAMH spoke to service users and service managers about their experiences of the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP.
Some individuals reported facing negative and stigmatising attitudes from some assessors who don’t consider their mental ill health as they would physical health.
One said: “I got told that my conditions don’t impact on my life. I go to bed at night crying, praying that I don’t wake up. I’ve lost my house, and this has no impact on my life?”
The report highlights people’s struggles with the application form and face to face medical assessments that do not adequately assess the impact of mental health, with a focus on physical functionality. The assessment often has a negative and long term impact on people’s mental health.
Billy Watson SAMH chief executive, said: “We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Scottish Government’s consultation on social security. Our report highlights some of the critical flaws of the current process and the impact this can have on people’s mental health.
“I hope that the insight from the people who use SAMH services across Scotland can inform a new, more human rights based approach to providing social security.”
Jeane Freeman MSP, minister for social security, said: “For the last three months I have been around the whole country, listening to people reporting some harrowing and demeaning experiences with the current UK government benefits system.
“I’m grateful to SAMH for the valuable work they’ve undertaken in highlighting the issues that people with mental health problems can face when applying for disability benefits.
“Mental health can impact on people’s lives in many ways, including their ability to engage with benefits and other entitlements and support. I am committed to designing and building a social security system that fully recognises and addresses that and ensures people are treated with dignity and respect."
