A trustee of the Fareham Area Disability Forum fears some disabled users may miss out on payments following the introduction of the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Vince Barton is concerned that disabled people in the borough could lose out on benefits with the government phasing out the disability living allowance (DLA).
PIP will be based on an assessment of individual need and ability to carry out a range of key activities necessary to everyday life.
Mr Barton, who is a wheelchair user living in Locks Heath, said he did not agree with Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey that PIP would give “better targeted support” for disabled people.
“My worry is that the most vulnerable people could lose out,” he said. “Any change in the system that could end up with people losing out because of it is a problem. That’s the biggest issue I see.
“They say it’s better targeted but in essence it means they’re shaving off some of the people that used to have benefits.
“Some people could live on your own and not know anything about this or have anyone to help them through the changes. If the assessments are not done fairly they could be losing out.”
Mr Barton said the government was urging people to be in work rather than on benefits and to have a lifestyle that was affordable, but Mr Barton said that those who can work but cannot get a job, could miss out.
“That’s wonderful if those who can work can get a job,” he said. “If they can’t get a job the government is cutting down their benefits and their standards of living.
“All the government is doing is adversely affecting the area where they live. Most people on benefits don’t put it in an ISA, they spend it on food and gas bills in their local shops.”
Ms McVey said: “Disability Living Allowance is an outdated benefit introduced over 20 years ago and needs reform to better reflect today’s understanding of disability.
“At the moment the vast majority of claimants get the benefit for life without any systematic reassessments and around 50 per cent of decisions are made on the basis of the claim form alone – without any additional corroborating medical evidence.
“The Personal Independence Payment will include a new face-to-face assessment and regular reviews – something missing in the current system. This will ensure the billions we spend give more targeted support to those who need it most.”
The introduction of PIP will be phased starting with the north of England. From June new claims will begin in the rest of the country. Current DLA claimants will start to be re-assessed from October, but only if there is a change in circumstance or an existing award ends.
More than 200 people visited an event earlier this year organised by the Fareham Area Disability Forum, which gave advice on the benefit changes as well as other advice, such as social care and jobs. They plan to hold another event later this year.
Benefits claimants can view online if they will be affected by the changes at www.gov.uk/pip-checker.