Message from the Chief Executive
W
elcome to the Autumn edition of Aware which, as you will have seen from the front cover, highlights some of the work that we have been undertaking to raise the awareness of Motor Neurone Disease amongst both MPs and MSPs. In particular, through our welfare reform campaign ‘Time to Benefit people with MND’, we have highlighted some of the devastating impact that changes to the welfare system is having, and will have, on those that are living with MND. We have specifically highlighted issues around Employment Support Allowance, ‘The Bedroom Tax’ and Personal Independence Payments. As a result of both a debate in the Scottish Parliament and an evening reception held in the garden lobby, both of which you can read about in this edition of Aware, we have secured a further meeting with Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, to discuss a number of further issues affecting those with MND in Scotland. Also featured in this edition is an article on the way that technology is helping those with MND communicate with others. Unlike previous years, much of the technology now being used can be regarded as ‘everyday’ technology such as iPads, smartphones etc. You can also read about some of the fantastic support that we receive from fundraisers across the length and breadth of the country, and find out how to get involved in our Fun Run in Holyrood Park and the Cycle Ride on Cumbrae Island. I hope you enjoy Aware and will continue to support the work of our charity in whatever way you can. One way that you may wish to consider helping MND Scotland save costs is by registering to receive Aware via email instead of by post. You can do this on our website at www.mndscotland. org.uk or call 0141 945 1077 and we will arrange this for our Winter and all subsequent editions. Best wishes
Autumn 2013 • Issue 22
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Welfare reform update
Roll out of Personal Independence Payment
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rom June 2013, any new claimants of disability benefits, across the UK, will claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Those who currently receive DLA and need to report a change in their illness will have to apply for PIP from October 2013 and all other DLA claimants will apply from 2015. Unfortunately, DLA claimants will not be automatically transferred over to PIP. Our Benefits and Welfare Officers can provide people with MND and their families support with this process or any other benefits issue. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently carried out some research on the PIP claiming process. Generally, their research findings are positive but the DWP does acknowledge that there is scope for further improvement in, for example, highlighting the purpose and intended advantages of PIP. Our Benefits and Welfare Officers have recently identified a problem for people with MND making an initial claim for PIP. Many people with MND have communication problems and previously our Benefits and Welfare Officers were able to contact the DWP
and request a form on behalf of our clients. Unfortunately this is no longer an option. Now clients, or their families/carers, will need to telephone the DWP to make an initial claim for PIP. This will involve an identity check and some basic questions. We have provided our Care Team with easy to follow leaflets which can be used to assist our clients initiate their PIP claim. You can find a copy of this, ‘Applying for Personal Independence Payment Allowance (PIP)’, on the Benefits Advice section of our website at www.mndscotland.org.uk/services/ benefits-advice/ Paper claims will not normally be used but the DWP can send claimants a form if they require this; online forms will be available from 2014. Once an initial claim for PIP has been made clients will be sent a further assessment form on “How Your Condition Affects You” which our Benefits and Welfare Officers can assist you to complete. MND Scotland continues to highlight problems experienced by people with MND when claiming PIP and other welfare benefits with the DWP as part of our ‘Time to benefit people with MND’ welfare reform campaign.