Meningitis limb loss boy told to prove disability Published duration 19 February 2016

image caption Edward Bright lost all his limbs when he contracted meningitis as a young boy

The family of a teenager who lost his arms and legs from meningitis were shocked when told he had to prove he still needed a disability payment.

Edward Bright, from Ripley, Derbyshire, lost his limbs when he was seven and needs help with much of his life.

When he turned 16 and reapplied for a benefit he was told he had to attend a meeting to be assessed.

The Department for Work and Pensions has now said a face-to-face meeting is not necessary.

image copyright Bright family image caption Edward Bright as a young boy in hospital with meningitis

Edward's family claimed disability living allowance (DLA) on his behalf to help towards the added cost of life as a quad-amputee but when he turned 16 he had to reapply for a personal independence payment (PIP).

The family were horrified to receive a letter calling him to a meeting with an assessor in Derby and threatening to withdraw the money if he did not attend.

His dad Steve said: "He has already been through all the assessments. Nothing has changed [in his situation] in the last seven years; nothing will change, so being called in to interviews every year is pointless.

image caption Edward Bright was sent a letter saying he needed to meet assessors face-to-face

"People with disabilities have enough appointments anyway. You should reach a level when it's flagged up on the system: no more interviews needed."

Since the family's case featured in the Daily Mirror , the Department of Work and Pensions has admitted the assessment is unnecessary.

"All DLA claimants are invited to apply for the working-age benefit Personal Independence Payment when they turn 16. In this instance a paper-based assessment has been completed and there is no need for a face-to-face assessment.

"We've tried to call the Brights numerous times to make clear there's no need to attend a meeting on Monday. A letter has been sent through the post."