Martin Lewis said he is 'horrified' after hearing about one man's nine-month wait to claim benefits.
Delays at the Department for Work and Pensions have seen claimants suffering from debilitating medical conditions face a tough financial period.
On last night's The Money Show Live, Martin was shocked to learn how some claims for Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment have yet to reach an outcome months after being submitted.
READ MORE: DWP ruling means thousands could be entitled to extra Universal Credit payments
Speaking to Martin, Christopher who lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - a chronic connective tissue disorder that affects his entire body - applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) some nine months ago, but is still waiting on an outcome.
He wanted to know if there were any other sources of income he could claim while he was waiting for an award decision as he is only getting Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), reports Daily Record.
This week, Martin had two independent benefits advisors on-hand to help offer the best advice - Minesh Patel from Macmillan Cancer Support and Lee Healy from Income Max.
Martin said that “delays on PIP is a big, big subject” and asked Lee why.
He said: “It can be a nightmare, it can be months, there’s a lot of claims. DWP has to go through an assessment process with a points scoring system, so it can be a nightmare for claimants.”
Lee also suggested that Christopher should look at making claims for other support including Universal Credit, however, he already applied for that in October and was still waiting for the outcome of that claim too.
Martin looked visibly stunned he had not heard about his Universal Credit claim either.
Christopher said: “I feel like a prisoner in my own house because without these benefit entitlements I’m not entitled to apply for a bus pass and things like this so I’m literally trapped in my house until eventually, all this stuff pays off.
“I can’t even go and sit on a park bench with a £1 [cup of] coffee because I’m so strapped for cash and no entitlement to travel.”
Martin said: “So look, apart from me getting involved and using media weapons, which I’m going to Christopher after this [programme].
"Let’s pretend I’m not going to do that - for everybody else who is in a similar boat, what do you do?"
Lee from Income Max said that people need to “chase” the DWP about their delayed claims, however, Martin interrupted and said that not everybody is in that position.
The key message from Lee was to get help from independent advisors who can help chase the DWP on behalf of those waiting on a decision from the DWP.
Christopher said: “I’ve done all that, I’ve had MPs, MSPs, councillors - everybody is battering on to the DWP to get something done.”
But he’s still waiting.
Martin said: “Let’s hope someone from DWP is watching this programme.”
Following the show, Martin issued an update on Twitter.
He said: "Many who suffer debilitating medical conditions impacting their income are entitled to a welfare safety net.
"It's horrifying to hear tales like Chris's on my show living desperate lives month after month due to claim delays
"I'll invite @DWP minister next week to ask why #MartinLewis."
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