Pip payment denied for terminally ill mum with cancer
A terminally ill mother in the UK with stage 4 tongue cancer was denied Personal Independence Payment benefits and awarded zero points in her assessment despite severe care and mobility needs. Rachael Field, 56, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, cannot eat, talk, dress, or use the toilet independently after having her tongue and voicebox removed and her windpipe reconstructed. The Department for Work and Pensions subsequently issued an apology following public outrage over the rejection.
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- ✓ Rachael Field is a 56-year-old mother from Rhondda Cynon Taf with stage 4 terminal tongue cancer.
- ✓ Field had her tongue and voicebox removed and her windpipe reconstructed.
- ✓ She was awarded zero points in her PIP assessment and denied disability benefits.
- ✓ Field requires assistance with eating, talking, dressing, mobility, and using the toilet independently.
What changed
The Department for Work and Pensions issued an apology to the patient after the initial denial sparked widespread public backlash.
Live updates
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Terminally Ill Cancer Patient Denied PIP Benefits
A terminally ill mother in the UK with stage 4 tongue cancer was denied Personal Independence Payment benefits and awarded zero points in her assessment despite severe care and mobility needs. Rachael Field, 56, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, cannot eat, talk, dress, or use the toilet independently after having her tongue and voicebox removed and her windpipe reconstructed. The Department for Work and Pensions subsequently issued an apology following public outrage over the rejection.
Why it matters
The Personal Independence Payment system is designed to help individuals with long-term ill health or disabilities with extra living costs. The case has intensified scrutiny regarding the treatment of applicants with severe conditions within the UK welfare system, drawing criticism from advocates who argue that vulnerable individuals face unnecessary hurdles during assessments.
What is confirmed
- Rachael Field is a 56-year-old mother from Rhondda Cynon Taf with stage 4 terminal tongue cancer.
- Field had her tongue and voicebox removed and her windpipe reconstructed.
- She was awarded zero points in her PIP assessment and denied disability benefits.
- Field requires assistance with eating, talking, dressing, mobility, and using the toilet independently.
- The Department for Work and Pensions apologised to Field following the decision.
What to watch next
- Any formal review or policy changes by the Department for Work and Pensions regarding assessments for terminally ill applicants.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
- BBC — Pip payment denied for terminally ill mum with cancer
- House of Lords Library — Personal independence payment and other disability benefits and linked schemes
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- www.bbc.co.uk — Pip payment denied for terminally ill mum with cancer - BBC News
- www.theukpulse.co.uk — Terminally ill woman with tongue cancer denied disability ...
- azat.tv — UK Welfare System Rejects Terminally Ill Mother Diagnosed ...
- rocketnews.com — Pip payment denied for terminally ill mum with cancer
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