Welfare System Doesn’t Make Sense For People With MS, Says MS Society Report

Having MS is enough

It shouldn’t be made harder by a welfare system that doesn’t make sense for people living with the condition. Welfare support is vital for many people with MS. It helps them to manage the extra costs of the condition, stay in work for longer and participate fully in society.

Yet the current system is not making sense, too often ignoring invisible symptoms like pain and fatigue and failing to recognise how MS can fluctuate. Benefits assessors do not always take evidence provided by professionals into account, and too often people with MS are under pressure to repeatedly prove they need support. 

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That’s why we’re campaigning to make welfare make sense 

We are calling on the UK Government to make welfare make sense.

• Disability benefits assessments must accurately take into account the fluctuating and hidden symptoms of MS and their impact.
• The disability benefits system must take adequate account of evidence from experienced professionals who understand the person’s condition.
• Existing criteria which do not reflect the barriers faced by people with MS should be changed.
• People with MS must be able to rely on support when they need it, without unnecessary burden or constant fear of having it taken away.

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What’s the evidence? 

We surveyed 1,780 people with MS about the role of disability benefits in their lives and their experience of the disability benefits system.

• Over half (57%) said that benefits assessments do not accurately determine the impact of their MS
• More than a third said face to face assessments had caused their MS to relapse or deteriorate
• Many told us they are having to make difficult choices including whether they can afford to buy basic essentials, attend hospital appointments or spend time with family and friends.

Hidden symptoms overlooked

In particular, the hidden symptoms of MS (such as pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties) are not always adequately captured. 42% of those who had a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) face-to-face assessment disagreed that the assessor considered their hidden symptoms. 50% of those who had a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) disagreed that hidden symptoms were considered.

You can download the full report from the link above.

There is also this campaign video: