Double amputee Mintlaw man told to prove he is disabled

A Mintlaw man who lost both of his legs in an accident four years ago has been told he must prove he is disabled, for a second time.

Daniel Gallagher, 26, says he has been told that he must go to Aberdeen and prove that he is still disabled as his Disability Living Allowance changes to a Personal Independence Payment.

Daniel said: “I have to reapply for PIP even though DLA was permanent because my circumstances aren’t going to change.

I have to go to Aberdeen and prove that I still have no legs.”

To make matters worse Daniel says he is now without a car as his motability vehicle was left a write-off earlier this year.

He said: “I’m stuck in the middle of Mintlaw with no car.

“My family have their own work and own jobs to go to - it’s really frustrating.”

Daniel claims he has been told it could take up to a year for him to be given a new vehicle and every day tasks are becoming a struggle without his own transport.

He said: “I had to go a mile or a mile and a half with bags of shopping around my neck up a hill.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions explained that Mr Gallagher must be reassessed as the benefits system changes from DLA to PIP.

Daniel believes that the change from DLA to PIP should be automatic.

He said: “You shouldn’t have to reapply especially if you have been given an indefinite award.

“I’m probably not the only one this is happening to.”

“It would save paper and it would save time, my circumstances haven’t changed and they’re not going to.”