My relative has downs and will never not have it. They are incredibly vulnerable and unable to communicate verbally, but up until the last few years was otherwise fit well and active. They have never been able to work, one of those drains on the countries resources.
They receive mid level allowance as could do most tasks- it might take an hour to toast and butter bread, but they can do this. Beans on toast, absolutely not, but a scotch egg is a meal right? As long as someone else shops for it, and ensures it's in date.
The last reassessment was potentially fun, they wanted an in person review until the GP intervened so to not have any further assessments will be fun.
I have always struggled to understand how someone who for their whole life has needed a safe person with them 24/7 is judged as needing mid level disability allowance- while their carer has also been prevented from claiming carers allowance and holding down a part time job for their own self worth (tried, earned £5 more one week,£5 less the next, were assessed over a 5 week period starting on the higher week so had to repay the carers allowance), and on becoming a pensioner, lost carers altogether. They still do the caring, just don't receive anything for it- and others are able to claim it despite being able to work part-time, stay in a house alone, leave a house alone, prepare a decent meal, wash, dress themselves etc.
I looked at the criteria today for the first time, and was amazed at the lack of thought that has gone into them. I'm amazed that are you safe to be alone isn't one of them.