REDBRIDGE: Autistic campaigners fear worst over benefit changes
5:27pm Wednesday 9th March 2011 in Where I Live By James Ranger
Ivan Corea and his autistic son Charin
AUTISTIC people could be left virtually housebound by proposed changes to their benefits, campaigners have warned.
The Government wants to cut 20 per cent from the £12 billion budget for the disability living allowance (DLA) over the next three years, and claimants will also face tough new interviews to assess their eligibility.
The Welfare Reform Bill includes plans to withdraw money for transport costs currently paid to autistic people living in residential care, money which campaigners say is crucial for sufferers to remain independent.
Karen Purcell, of Grosvenor Road in Wanstead, fears her 32-year-old autistic son Robin could lose part or all of his DLA payments under the changes.
Mrs Purcell said: “The payments are the difference between my son living on the breadline and being able to get out of his flat to go and buy a cup of coffee and a newspaper.
“He lives in a supported living bedsit and the other benefits he gets just about cover the rent and his shopping.
“My son likes to put on a brave face so I’m worried the assessors won’t realise the difficulties he has.
“We don't know what training these assessors will have and whether they understand the condition.”
Ivan Corea set up the Autism Sunday charity in George Lane, South Woodford, to campaign for people with the condition.
His son Charin, 15, is also a sufferer.
He said: “I believe these cuts will drive carers, parents and autism sufferers deeper into poverty.
“We receive DLA for my son and it covers things like expensive gluten-free products, which we buy for him because some experts say they can help the behaviour of children with autism.
“Not only are people facing rising food prices and electricity bills, but now they are being hit with their benefits being cut.
“These cuts are extremely unjust and unfair.”
One in 100 people in the UK has some form of autism and only 15 per cent are in full-time employment.
Claimants currently receive between £18.95 and £71.40 a week, while those in residential care or who need help using public transport get an additional mobility component of between £18.95 and £49.85.
Sarah Lambert, head of policy at the National Autistic Society, said: “DLA is an absolute lifeline for so many people living with autism.
“Our research shows that around a third of autistic people who lose their independence develop mental health problems, which are more costly to deal with in the long-run.”
A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "The Government is committed to protecting DLA for the future and ensuring that the £12 billion spent on it every year goes where it is needed to make a difference.
"We know that there can be varying levels of support and we will be working with disability organisations to ensure that disabled people have their mobility needs met."
Do you fear losing benefits under Government reforms? Call reporter James Ranger on 07795 316 211.
