Warwickshire meningitis girl has benefits cut...

A 10-year old Rugby girl who had a leg amputated through meningitis has had her benefits cut – because she’s not classed as disabled enough.



The Meningitis Trust are calling on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to give Olivia Porter from Hillmorton her Disability Living Allowance back.

Matt Croxall from the Trust said: “Sadly, this isn’t an unusual case, and the Trust comes up against similar cases where people are struggling to get the support they need to deal with the aftereffects of meningitis.”

“The financial burden is difficult enough at the moment, so dealing with something extra feels like a kick in the teeth for the family.”

“We would certainly urge the DWP to reconsider this case – in the meantime, we are there to offer support to the family and any other family in the area.”

In response, the DWP said: “‘Disability Living Allowance is paid to help people who cannot do things like walk or dress themselves.”

“If someone’s needs change as they learn to live with their disability and they can do things like play sport or walk around by themselves they may not be entitled to the money anymore.”

“When we make these decisions we use information provided by families, doctors and schools to get a picture of the impact of the disability on someone’s everyday life.”

Anyone who has had dealings with the DWP in recent years will tell you this is far from being an isolated or unusual case.