Disabled man, Worthing, awaits financial help after stroke

Adam Hodson, 60, from Victoria Court in Worthing, suffered a stroke in July 2021.

He contacted the government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for financial assistance in September, but is yet to receive support.

The former air-traffic controller was already in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the DWP, though required further help following the stroke.

Now, almost five months since submitting forms to request an updated medical assessment, Adam continues to suffer as he awaits an official response from the DWP.

Adam suffered a stroke in July 2021, four months after moving to supported accommodation

“I shouldn’t have to make these phone calls, it’s a joke really,” said Adam.

“Amazing, isn’t it? Millions of pounds squandered through mismanagement of public funds for PPE, and yet you can’t get an appointment via the DWP for a medical assessment, it stinks.

“I was already on the lower rate of PIP for a musculoskeletal problem, so I was already on their system.

"On September 7, I phoned the PIP helpline and got a form to come out to me, which I never received.”

Prior to the stroke, Adam moved into supported housing due to his health. Amending his address for Universal Credit payments, he assumed this would also update his details with the DWP.

The Department for Work and Pensions is experiences a backlog of requests

By September 27, the forms had not arrived, and it was discovered that they had been sent to his previous address.

“There’s no interaction between these different computers they’re using, between Universal Credit and PIP,” said Adam.

“You shouldn’t have to, but you need to phone up PIP, no matter what your circumstances are.”

• READ MORE: DWP wrongly rejected thousands of disability benefits, figures show

Adam submitted the forms in early October, and is still awaiting an outcome in the hope of arranging an assessment.

He has been in conversation with the DWP three times since December 2021, and was informed on Tuesday, February 22 that his forms had been received, but due to a backlog, had not yet been processed.

Adam was also notified that he would not receive back payment for the period of September 2021 to February 2022, however the DWP later denied this was the case, insisting he would be entitled to payment for the five months he waited.

In response to Adam’s case, a spokesman for the DWP said: “We are currently in the process of reviewing Mr Hodson’s situation following receipt of his revised claim.

“While this is taking place he will continue to receive the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment in respect of his care and mobility needs.”