“Why two assessments so different?”, she lost 30% of her disability rate by moving from Haute-Garonne to Ariège, near Foix

Kathy Lacour never thought she would lose 30% of her disability rate by leaving Haute-Garonne to settle in Ariège, in Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière, a town not far from Foix. This former cashier, who declared a serious illness more than 12 years ago, does not understand.

And she continues to send medical proof of her condition to make herself heard at the Departmental House for Disabled People of Ariège (MDPH), and to demand what she considers her due: the allowance for disabled adults ( AAH) which guarantees a minimum income.

However, for the MDPH, Katy Lacour’s disability does not justify benefiting from such assistance. A disagreement arising from the fact that the structures judging his condition are not the same in Haute-Garonne and Ariège, due to the procedure which follows the evolution of the disease.

Two different evaluations

In June 2022, after a two-year absence from work due to illness, the cashier was seen by a medical advisor from the Haute-Garonne Primary Health Insurance Fund. “He classifies me as disability category 2. I am declared unfit for my job and I am dismissed. I am told that my disability rate is 80%, which gives me access to the AAH,” recalls the adopted Ariégeoise, sobs in her voice.

After several months in Haute-Garonne, she decided to move to Ariège. And in July 2023, she submitted her file to renew her rights and request the AAH for the first time. She is then seen by a doctor from MDPH Ariège. “He didn’t even examine me. How can he determine my level of health, what I experience on a daily basis?” she laments. At the end of the consultation, the doctor gives her a rate of 50% disability, so she cannot benefit from the aid.

A diagnosis totally incomprehensible to her: “my state of health has worsened over the months. I still have to have an operation. By dint of using my crutch to use the other part of my body to compensate for my problems, I end up damage it too. I’m losing feeling in my right leg now.”

The Ariège structure judges that Saint-Pierroise can work with this disability rate of 50%. “However, I can neither stand nor sit for even a short time. I have continuous pain.”

“Unable to get an appointment”

She regularly sends medical documents proving her difficulties and her operations, requesting an appointment to explain herself. In a letter from the MDPH, it is indicated that the structure will study the documents but does not know when it will be able to receive her for an interview.

“I would like someone to explain to me why there are two different assessments. I ask to be seen and to obtain my rights. The aid would allow me to have €300 more for my daily life. I don’t know what anymore to do to get a date”, says, disappointed, Katy Lacour.

When contacted, the departmental council, on which the MDPH depends, said it must maintain medical confidentiality. He should provide some answers soon.