Woman who suffered brain haemorrhage and two strokes told by DWP she’s not ‘disabled enough’ and has disability benefits taken away Christine Kokes, who feels she was set up to fail by the government’s ’20 metre rule’, says she faces having to go to a food bank

Christine Kokes had worked all her life as a shop assistant until 1997, when an artery in her brain burst.

She then went on to suffer two strokes, and was hit by a car in her mobility scooter. The effects of these multiple health problems have caused severe nerve damage which means she cannot walk without aids.

The 57-year-old was receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – until this year when an assessor decided she was not disabled enough to qualify and took it off her.

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No-one would choose to be dependent upon the welfare system, especially when they are being so brutal with all the cuts Christine Kokes

The benefit is to help with some of the extra costs caused by long term ill-health or disability.

Christine, from Darlington, County Durham, said she is worse off by £700 a month and has been left in debt.

“It’s a lot of money to lose, I’m in debt with my gas and electric and my mobile phone is about to be cut off.

“I’m struggling to afford to feed myself and it’s been suggested I go to a food bank. No one would choose to be dependent upon the welfare system, especially when they are being so brutal with all the cuts.”

‘I felt set up to fail’

I wasn’t allowed a home assessment so I was made to walk into the building even though I’d said it would be a struggle. And because I did I’ve been penalised Christine Kokes

Christine had been receiving Disability Living Allowance until June this year, when she received a letter telling her the benefit was ending and she would have to apply for PIP.

She said she requested a home assessment but was denied one. She feels she was set up to fail by the government’s “20 metre rule” after she was seen to walk from the car park of the venue to the assessment.

People and organisations – including the MS Society – have been campaigning for change, arguing it is unfair that if someone can walk one step over 20 metres – roughly the length of two double-decker buses – they won’t qualify for the higher rate of PIP mobility support.

“I wasn’t allowed a home assessment so I was made to walk into the building even though I’d said it would be a struggle,” said Christine. “And because I did I’ve been penalised. Afterwards I was left in pain and breathless and I told them that but that wasn’t made a note of.”

Soon afterwards, in September, she received a letter telling her she had not scored enough to qualify for PIP and would not be granted any payments.

Now she is only entitled to Employment and Support Allowance, which comes to £508 a month.

Depression and isolation

The Government has taken the little independence I had away Christine Kokes

Christine also had to send back her scooter as, because she no longer qualified for PIP, she was no longer eligible to hire one under the Motability Car and Scooter Scheme.

“I’m struggling to pay essential bills. And I’m also extremely isolated and depressed now as I can’t afford to go anywhere or do anything so I don’t see anyone.

“I don’t know why the Department for Work and Pensions won’t accept what’s in your medical notes. I’m not lying about having had a brain haemorrhage and two strokes.

“They don’t believe I need help with every day care but I do. I have friends who come and help me get dressed and washed and prepare me meals.

“The Government has taken the little independence I had away.”

When approached for comment about Christine’s case, a DWP spokesperson said: “We’re committed to ensuring that people with health conditions get the support they’re entitled to.

“Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.

“Anyone who disagrees with a decision has the right to appeal.”