Stories in the media give the impression that it is easy to get benefits and that fraud is high. But we know that isn't true. The reality is that the number of people being overpaid Incapacity Benefit due to fraud is only about 0.3 per cent (1).
At RNIB we would argue that by DWP presenting these statistics without further context, the public is left with the impression that great numbers of people who claim out of work benefits are cheating the system.
The real story is that many people are living in fear of cuts to essential benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
A significant number of the assessments for ESA go to appeal. In fact, between October 2008 and February 2010, 36 per cent of ESA applicants who were found Fit for Work at assessment had an appeal heard by Tribunals Service. The original decision made by DWP was overturned for 39 per cent of the appeals. (2)
Meanwhile, the appeal process is costing the Government £50 million.
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(1) Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: Preliminary 2010/11 estimates, DWP, 2011
(2) DWP - official statistics