A CHARITY is welcoming a second review into disability payments to make the system “better.”

Epping Forest Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), in Hemnall Street, support the review of the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) system, which will be published on March 30.

Rachel Poulter, chief executive for Epping Forest CAB, said: “About 2250 people in this district have claimed PIP. We have helped 447 with advice and support.

“The first review found that Atos assessors have little time to consider evidence put forward by claimants and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) case managers do not give sufficient weight to evidence from carers and relatives. That is very much the experience of our clients.

“The review also said that where claimants had input from advocacy or support organisations it often made a significant difference to the outcome. We agree. Nationally, claimants who appeal to a tribunal against a DWP decision on PIP win before in 65% of cases. We have helped 17 claimants with their appeals in the last year and all of them won their case.”

Atos Healthcare carry out assessments on behalf of the DWP.

National chief executive of CAB, Gillian Guy, said: “Anyone trying to get on with life while coping with a serious illness or disability deserves a quick and accurate experience when applying for personal independence payments (PIP).

While some parts of the system have got better - such as a reduction in waiting times - we are concerned there is still a way to go in terms of improving the quality and accuracy of the PIP application and assessment process.”

You can get advice on PIP, other benefits, and a wide range of other issues from the local Citizens Advice drop-in sessions at 50A Hemnall Street in Epping, at Loughton Library, and at Waltham Abbey Town Hall. For opening times see the local charity’s website at http://www.citizensadviceefd.org.uk/.