Thank you for contacting me about Employment and Support Allowance claimants with Motor Neurone Disease.
I appreciate your concerns. MND is a terrible condition for anyone to experience, and I agree it is crucial that people who suffer from diseases like this should receive all the support they need for themselves and their families. It is my belief that the benefits system should treat everyone with the respect they deserve, while also ensuring help is directed to the people who need it most.
Work Capability Assessments are necessary to determine how a person's health affects their ability to work. The number of ESA claimants with MND undergoing repeat assessments has been relatively low at around 100 people per year between July 2012 and June 2017. This can be a very difficult process, which is why I am pleased the Department for Work and Pensions stopped re-assessments for those with the most severe conditions in ESA last September. But I also realise that WCA needs reform.
That is why I welcomed the meeting between the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work and representatives of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The Minister listened to the MNDA's concerns regarding the assessment process and she will be discussing it with officials to consider where change is possible.
The DWP has also consulted widely and is responding to people's desire for a reformed assessment process which addresses claimants' individual and specific needs. Further evidence will be collected and different approaches tested over the next two years in order to get a more personalised and effective system.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
