Pip payment denied for terminally ill mum with cancer

A mother diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a prognosis of three years has been refused disability benefits, despite being unable to perform basic daily tasks independently. Rachael Field, 56, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been battling tongue cancer for six years. Her condition has severely affected her ability to eat, speak, dress, and use the bathroom without assistance.

Field relies on a feeding tube, has undergone the removal of her tongue and voice box, and her windpipe has been reconstructed using tissue from her chest. In addition to these challenges, she also suffers from mobility difficulties. Earlier this year, Field applied for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit designed to help cover extra costs caused by illness or disability, but her claim was denied by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The department stated that they required more evidence to process her claim and expressed regret for any distress caused to her family.

Describing her situation, Field said she has suffered four cancer diagnoses over the past six years and now needs full assistance with washing, dressing, and using the bathroom. “I can only walk a few steps with help. I cannot eat or drink; everything has to go through my feeding tube,” she explained. Her daughter, Hawkins-Field, revealed how her father, Eddie, has become the family’s pillar of strength, working full-time and visiting Rachael every day in the hospital. The couple, married for 15 years after meeting at a factory, once enjoyed visits to various towns across Wales and hope to travel to Scotland and Ireland in the future.

Hawkins-Field also shared insights into her mother’s interests, saying she takes pleasure in small things, enjoys reading, and loves completing challenging, intricate jigsaw puzzles. To support her mother during her remaining time, Hawkins-Field started a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise £1,000 to fund family trips around the UK. A DWP spokesperson acknowledged the difficult circumstances and stated, “We’re sorry for any distress Ms Field and her family are feeling at this difficult time. We have been unable to complete the claim as we need further evidence from Ms Field. We have attempted to contact her in order to resolve the situation and will continue to do so.” The family confirmed they are currently in talks with the department

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