Today marks the launch of #SCCforME, a one-day national campaign calling for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./C.F.S.) to be recognised under the Severe Conditions Criteria (S.C.C.).
The S.C.C. is designed to protect people with lifelong, disabling conditions from repeated benefit reassessments. Yet despite overwhelming scientific and medical evidence that recovery from M.E./C.F.S. is rare, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) does not automatically recognise M.E./C.F.S. under S.C.C.
People with M.E./C.F.S. are currently forced into repeated reassessments to prove they remain disabled, even after being awarded Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). These reassessments are:
This campaign is not about expanding benefits or increasing eligibility. It is about efficiency, fairness, and compassion: stopping unnecessary reassessments for people with M.E./C.F.S. whose condition is permanent.
The #SCCforME campaign calls for:
We are asking members of the public to join the M.E./C.F.S. community in taking part in this one-day campaign by:
A surge of emails and posts on one day creates urgency and impact, making it harder for decision-makers to ignore.
Full details, template emails, social media posts, and shareable graphics are available in the latest blog on stripylightbulb.org.
“This is not about getting more people onto benefits. It is about stopping the waste of taxpayer money and ending harmful reassessments for people with M.E./C.F.S. Recovery is rare, in the absence of approved treatments or a cure, and reassessments only cause harm. The system must shift its focus from functionality to permanency.” - Sally Callow, Managing Director, Stripy Lightbulb CIC.
ENDS
Press Contact:
Sally Callow, Stripy Lightbulb CIC
info@stripylightbulb.com
07725 658199
Distributed by Pressat
T. 07725658199Additional Contact(s):
Sally Callow - Founder/Managing Director
