56-year-old granddad and former British Army driver Dean Tolhurst is battling to retain his mobility payments. His challenge follows a Capita report that was commissioned by the organization that hands out Personal Independence Payments (PIP) on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Tolhurst has fought through dangerous health issues including a broken back, three strokes, two hernias and knee reconstructions. He claims that his reconsideration was improper and did not give adequate consideration to his disabilities.
For the last half dozen years, Tolhurst has relied on mobility payments. These Rods payments allow him to pay for the vehicle that allows him to remain independent. He had been receiving the high rate for mobility before. During his initial assessment, though, he found himself ineligible for the higher rate required for entry into the Motability scheme. This decision has put him in a bind. He is dealing with long-term health complications that prevent him from working or caring for himself independently.
The veteran proudly served in the British Army’s Royal Corps of Transport during the 1980s. That experience was the crucible that tempered his character and toughened his spirit. Yet, sadly, it was the impact of that service that led to his present-day turmoil. He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insists that not all disabilities are visible.
“Not all disabilities are physical or visible – the government needs to learn that you can’t judge a book by its cover,” – Dean Tolhurst.
Tolhurst’s recent review put its integrity into serious doubt. He later posted that the video call was 59 minutes long. Yet, on the examiners’ report, it was written that they were unable to complete the mobility portion due to time limits. He was confused and upset. How could he possibly be found ineligible for support under the basis of a flawed assessment.
“I don’t understand how they can fail me for something they didn’t do,” – Dean Tolhurst.
Even with his worsening health conditions, Tolhurst doesn’t plan to give up in his fight for what he believes is rightfully his. He reminds us that what we see is often not what we get. He’s adamant that there is a lot more to his condition than meets the eye.
“Not everything that is wrong with me you can see, but what you can see is a person that will not give up,” – Dean Tolhurst.
The DWP has won praise for acknowledging that the PIP assessment process is not working. A spokesperson emphasized that “changing the welfare system so it helps people work and live with dignity” is still a top priority. They have finally committed to a ministerial review of the PIP assessment process. This review is a great opportunity to make sure that the process works well and equitably for all people with disabilities.
The stakes in Tolhurst’s case are high — not just for them, but for everyone else who depends on mobility payments. Now he’s getting ready to fight back against the new re-assessment. Ultimately, he wants to draw attention to the challenges faced by veterans and disabled people as they deal with an increasingly complex welfare system.
