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Disabled People Face 'Nightmare' 18-Month Wait for DWP Benefit - Nottinghamshire Live
Applications to the DWP Access to Work scheme doubled to 157,000 in 2024/25 with average processing delays peaking at 109 working days, impacting disabled workers and employers.
- On Friday, the NAO published a report revealing delays and backlogs in the DWP Access to Work scheme have more than doubled over four years.
- A rise in diagnoses of mental health conditions and neurodiversity has driven demand, with applications reaching 157,000 in 2024/25, says the NAO.
- Average processing times show the Department for Work and Pensions recorded about 62,100 applications waiting on 31 March 2025 and increased staff spending from 12.6 million to 24.4 million, with 55 extra caseworkers hired in January.
- Disabled people receiving Access to Work support say grants have been cut by up to 80, leaving many struggling to stay in work or pay bills, while funding delays threaten jobs and businesses, according to campaigners.
- While the department launches a review, a DWP spokesperson said it is 'streamlining processes and increasing staffing,' but the NAO warned backlogs are unlikely to fall soon, awaiting the government consultation's outcome.
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Derby TelegraphReposted by 
Lincolnshire Live
Lincolnshire LiveDisabled people face 'nightmare' 18-month wait for DWP benefit
Delays have surged recently
·Derby, United Kingdom
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'Nightmare' DWP work scheme leaves disabled people waiting 18 months for cash
The Government’s disability employment scheme has become a “nightmare” bedevilled with funding cuts and delays of up to 18 months for support, The i Paper has been told. Disabled people who rely on the Access to Work scheme to stay in jobs say their lives have been “left in limbo” after their grant money was slashed in recent months – by up to 80 per cent in some cases. The scheme helps people pay for support workers, specialist equipment and tr…
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 30%
C 60%
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