A mum of two suffering from a heart condition says she "cannot catch a break" after her PIP appeal was rejected. Rachael Occleshaw, of Daybrook, said she was diagnosed with Severe Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
The 43-year-old, who is on Universal Credit, said she "struggles to do anything" while her sister has become her carer, cooking and doing the school run for her nephews. The Department for Work and Pensions told Nottinghamshire Live that Ms Occleshaw was assessed by a qualified health professional, and their decision was upheld at both the Mandatory Reconsideration stage and a tribunal.
The heartbroken mum said: "That's really upsetting because obviously I am struggling - and my sister should not care for me.
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"There is no support at all. We cannot catch a break.
"There is no hope out there. I have probably tried everything we can."
According to the government's website, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks - or getting around because of your condition.
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
Ms Occleshaw said she cannot get out to do the shopping, adding: "I pass out quite a bit and I cannot get out to do shopping. I am having to order it online which is costing me a fortune."
The situation has also put pressure on Sally Bates, from Arnold, who said she had lost three stone while caring for her sister. It has all started in 2020, she added, when their dad died of cancer.
Ms Bates explained: "With all the stress that has caused, she [Ms Occleshaw] fell very, very poorly. We took her to A&E where we discovered that she had got a heart failure.
"It had been there before but obviously the stress of losing my dad has made it a lot worse. The following year, our mum died from coronavirus>Covid pneumonia.
"It was a massive, massive shock - it was only 14 months after losing my dad. It put a massive strain on all of us, dealing with a funeral.
"Again, it had an impact on my sister's health and she has gone downhill quite a lot. Me and my husband - we have pretty much been doing everything for her."
They started the process of applying for PIP around 18 months ago, she claims. "I have been struggling with my own health a lot too", Ms Bates added.
"I have lost three stone and my blood pressure has gone up the roof. I love my sister to bits but it has just been such a struggling time."
Ms Bates dropped her job as a delivery driver in 2018, when she started to look after her dad. She has since applied to carer's allowance as she has been unable to return to work full-time. Her husband works full-time.
"I have not gone back to work because I have been looking after my sister", Ms Bates added. "I have got a weekend job at the moment and something to get by - but it is not enough. We are having seven people living in the house."
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “We support millions of people with disabilities and long-term health conditions each year and our priority is they get the benefits they are entitled to promptly and receive a supportive, compassionate service.
“Entitlement to PIP is assessed on the basis of the level of needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself. Ms Occleshaw was assessed by a qualified health professional using all the information available to us at the time, and their decision was upheld at both the Mandatory Reconsideration stage and a tribunal.”
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