Blind, epileptic and arthritic woman declared fit for work despite saying she cannot leave her home unaided

'I can’t even make a cup of tea myself because of the boiling water,' says Hazel Macrae

Ms Macrae was judged to have 'limited capability for work' (Alamy)

A blind, epileptic woman who told the Government she cannot leave her home without help, use a pen or make a cup of tea has been declared fit for work, it has been reported.

Hazel Macrae, 62, who also suffers from osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes, told assessors looking at her entitlement to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) that she would be unable to move safely in a workplace, according to Chronicle Live.

Now she has been judged to have “limited capability for work”, her payments have been reduced by £15 a fortnight and she must meet with a work coach, the newspaper reported.

Ms Macrae, of Walker in Newcastle upon Tyne, told the Chronicle: “There are no jobs that I can do. They have said that I can use my hands and I’m expected to apply for all jobs going.

“I can’t even make a cup of tea myself because of the boiling water.”

She has been placed in the work-related activity group category of claimants, but has appealed the ruling, the site said.

The Department for Work and Pensions said it planned to look again at Ms Macrae’s case.

A spokesman told The Independent: “Decisions for ESA are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.

“Hazel Macrae has asked us to look at her case again and we will be in touch with her with our decision.”