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A severely disabled man had his benefits cut because he didn’t respond to a letter even though he is blind.

Alan Moody, 60, was declared unfit to work by his GP 10 years ago after being diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia - a rare genetic brain condition.

Despite this Alan from Stanley, Co Durham was summoned to a Department for Work and Pensions ‘work capability assessment’ to qualify to receive employment and support allowance of around £450 a month.

One of the effects of his condition is blindness and because of this he did not read the letter sent to him by the DWP.

As a result of his non reply the DWP took the decision on November 2 to stop paying the allowance.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Elder brother Terry Moody, 65, who is also Alan’s carer, told how he pleaded and appealed to the DWP to review their decision - something they did and stood by.

He said: “I cannot believe they’ve done this, how could they be so heartless. He has been disabled for 10 years, he cannot work, he needs this money.

“I have tried appealing to them but they say they are standing by it, I am trying to appeal again.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

“They tell me I need to go online, but I am not sure how to do that. But I will try.”

He added: “I pay all my brothers bills, look after him and am now sorting this out. I feel exhausted.”

A DWP spokesman said that ‘work capability assessments’ such as the one Mr Moody was summoned to were vital to ensure people weren’t “written off”.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

They said: “It’s important people contact us immediately if they can’t attend their assessment.

“Work Capability Assessments help ensure that people get the right level of support that they need, rather than just writing them off on sickness benefits as happened in the past.

“The decision on whether someone is well enough to work is taken following a thorough independent assessment, and after consideration of all the supporting evidence from the claimant’s GP or medical specialist.”

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