Disability Claims

[El Cid]

Just watching a fraud on BBC 1, do they need to submit NHS paperwork when they submit a claim?

Your medical details are confidential, but do the Government get access to your medical records, perhaps what they submit now is not enough?

[HeHasRisen]

I would have thought they obviously get to see your medical records, otherwise anyone could just say they were disabled. Hardly an intrusion is it, if you want the money you provide the proof. 

[Annie Bynnol]

   The starting point is that the Government (any department) does not have access to your medical records. 

   The new  Policing Crime and Sentencing Bill 2021 allows some access eg for the purpose of sentencing and conditions relevant to future behaviour.

   The Government can request with your permission.

   The Government can request without your permission specific information e.g. drug use, but the GP  normally deny this within the guidelines set by the BMA. .

 

  In many cases medical records and/or a GP doctors opinion are insufficient to prove a disability and for the last 15 years a Government assessment system has been in place, listen to  "Fit for Work" Radio4 today.

[Anna B]

The government assessment system is very stringent, often done by not very well qualified people and serious mistakes are made. A great many people who deserve help and should qualify, don't qualify initially and have to go through a long, difficult, laborious (and expensive) system to get justice. They often require official help to do it which is also in short supply. Some are simply too sick to go through it and give up and/or commit suicide.

 

The Conservatives treatment of the disabled is a disgrace. The victims are those with the least resistance/ stamina to endure the system. It is designed towards cost cutting by any means and automatically seems to deny benefits rather than give them. The disabled in this country are amongst the poorest group in society, as are those who look after them.  

Edited June 9, 2023 by Anna B