Sign up to FREE email alerts from Liverpool Echo - Weekly Politics Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A man born without arms or legs was cruelly forced to prove he couldn't work three times this year.

Kevin Donnellon, a Thalidomide survivor , slammed the benefits system after being asked to fill in a 24-page "fit-to-work" questionnaire yet again.

The 58-year-old, from Crosby , was told he had to complete the questionnaire in order to keep receiving his benefits.

Kevin, one of around 2,000 babies affected by the morning sickness drug Thalidomide, told Mirror Online : “It’s not like my arms and legs have grown.”

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The dad-of-two worked hard up until 15 years ago when he began to suffer back problems from wearing prosthetic legs and health complications from type 2 diabetes.

Kevin also has a degree in social sciences and works with adults with learning disabilities.

He said: "My last paid job was 15 years ago. Now I’m not as healthy.

"I’ve got severe backache from the artificial legs I used to wear – they weren’t the fantastic prosthetics you get these days.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

"I’ve also got type 2 diabetes.

“This government seems to have targeted disabled people.

"I have a lot of disabled friends who are terrified when they get these letters they’re going to have benefits taken away.

“Twice in the last year I’ve had to fill in questionnaires. Now I’ve a third, due back on December 25. Merry Christmas.

"It feels vindictive. The questions are intrusive, very personal.

“I was born like this – you’d think my details would be on the system.”

Kevin had to fill out a form for PIP payments to replace his Disability Living Allowance, and two “capability for work” forms for Universal Credit, to replace Employment and Support Allowance.

He said: "I’ve worked in the past, but I can’t do anything full-time. All these cuts are simply cruel."

The DWP said the reassessments were part of the transition from DLA to PIP and those with life-long conditions would then only have “light-touch” 10-year reviews.

A spokesman added: “Mr Don­nellon has been awarded ESA indefinitely following a recent reassessment and the highest rate of PIP with a light-touch review in 10 years.”