Man who had heart attack and two strokes has Disability Living Allowance revoked by DWP
Phillip Williams claims Department of Work and Pensions failed to contact his doctor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man said he had been declared fit to work despite suffering from a heart attack, two strokes and having 12 hours of kidney dialysis a week.
Phillip Williams, from Caernarfon, Wales, has been informed by the Department of Work and Pensions that his Disability Living Allowance will be stopped next month.
The 56-year-old was born with Alports Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which causes kidney disease, hearing loss and can also affect the eyes.
He has also been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which brings on bouts of extreme vomiting and diarrhoea.
Mr Williams said he was shocked when he found out the news and claimed the DWP had not even contacted his doctor.
“I don’t know how they can make this decision without even speaking to my doctor, it’s made me so angry. I’m really worried about it all and I’m just so tired and upset,” Mr Williams told Wales Online.
The former scientist was assessed by a nurse who used a points system to determine whether or not he could cope around the house alone.
"I have no social life because of my illnesses, I’ve never been married and I don’t have any children, it gets quite lonely. This is my life and they want to take away the money that I rely on to survive.”
“PIP assessments require specialist skills which is why they are undertaken by qualified health professionals,” a spokesperson from the DWP told The Independent.
“Decisions on eligibility for PIP are made after consideration of all the evidence, including an assessment and information provided by the claimant and their GP. All claimants have the opportunity to appeal and if their situation changes, they can ask to be reassessed.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments