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Original poster

Has media coverage of benefits made anyone else feel guilty claiming PIP?

92 replies

JustHereForthePIP · 20/08/2026 13:12

With all the fury in the media about benefits and scroungers, has it made anyone else feel guilty they get PIP, like it somehow makes you "less than". Or you shouldn't claim if you could scrape by without it?

I realised my household (me and 3 disabled DC) get quite a lot in disability benefits. But as none of us had any issues applying for PIP/DLA (all went through with no appeals, just accepted on the medical evidence) we're probably all quite far over the threshold to need it. As in it's bloody obvious we're disabled.

I think part of the guilt is that I still work as well, although I know it's not an out of work benefit. Oldest DC is in final year at school and also died a supported weekend job to build life skills. So we have other income, but still get DLA/PIP.

OP posts:
JaceLancs · 20/08/2026 21:59

No it just shows peoples ignorance
I work FT and also get PIP enhanced daily living and standard mobility
The extra money allows me to pay for therapy, aids, special diet, taxis and higher cost parking as can’t walk far etc

XenoBitch · 20/08/2026 22:08

I only started claiming it this year, but the press etc already hated me for being on UC anyway.
It is very sad though... such division over it, and at times I think an attempt to distract people from bigger issues.
I am not going to be made to feel guilty for something I am entitled to, and neither should anyone else.

Original poster
JustHereForthePIP · 21/08/2026 16:11

morgan56 · 20/08/2026 18:35

I’m afraid I have to be the spanner in the works here… I think if you feel guilty for it, you know you’re getting a lot of money that realistically you could live your life without. You mentioned you have other incomes so it’s not like your disabilities are stopping you from living a fairly normal life. I don’t doubt for a second that it’s not a lovely supplement to have. I’m on side just because you can claim it, doesn’t mean you should. But I know I’m in the minority here.
4 x PIP/DLA is astronomical money on top of everything else or wages.

You're right. It is a lot of money.

But, after some other comments on the thread I added up all the essential therapies we can't keep waiting years for on the NHS, adaptations, academic support, equipment I need to get to and stay in work, basically all the extras that come from being disabled. It's way more than the total of the disability benefits.

And I know I'll need to stop working long before pension age. My DC will age out of specialist education and need more support.

As a lot of other people said, I'd happily give up the PIP to anyone who wanted to take the disabilities that go with it.

OP posts:
Kirschcherries · 21/08/2026 16:25

@JustHereForthePIP Please don’t feel guilty. PIP is there for those who need it. As you say it can help to pay for treatments, therapies etc. that are needed due to disabilities.

flea101 · 21/08/2026 16:27

I am on high rate for both. Serious mental health difficulties. I have just had my award extended for another 4 years. I have a life long condition that I have recovered from as much as I can. I don’t feel guilty for claiming, I do feel worried they are going to take it away when I have proved time and time again that I qualify.

Lemonsherber · 04/09/2026 18:44

Yes I feel guilty claiming pip ( lower rate daily living) despite paying in contributions for 43 years. Had a high stress physical job but had to leave due to my condition. Now I fear im going to be accused of being a scrounger

Female123456 · 04/09/2026 19:04

JustHereForthePIP · 20/08/2026 13:12

With all the fury in the media about benefits and scroungers, has it made anyone else feel guilty they get PIP, like it somehow makes you "less than". Or you shouldn't claim if you could scrape by without it?

I realised my household (me and 3 disabled DC) get quite a lot in disability benefits. But as none of us had any issues applying for PIP/DLA (all went through with no appeals, just accepted on the medical evidence) we're probably all quite far over the threshold to need it. As in it's bloody obvious we're disabled.

I think part of the guilt is that I still work as well, although I know it's not an out of work benefit. Oldest DC is in final year at school and also died a supported weekend job to build life skills. So we have other income, but still get DLA/PIP.

media coverage did what it set out to do
make you feel guilty
that is exactly what it was supposed to do
shame people make them feel guilty

like you said you claim it for a reason and you are way above the threshold
hope it is helping you as that is what it is there for
i would avoid media coverage/programmes like this if you can
they know how to suck people in and there is nothing good about them
it is made to divide people
and encourages others to benefit bash others, for people to turn on one another.

Hmmmm I do wonder why.....

please don't feel guilty or ashamed 💐

i hope it doesnt put people off applying who need it
sadly i know it will 😞

Ted27 · 04/09/2026 19:28

@Lemonsherber

Don't tell anyone you are receiving PIP
I think its really sad that you feel guilty. All the media and rhetoric is succeeding in dividing society.
I'm 61 and have been receiving full rate PIP for 2 months. Its the only benefit I've ever claimed. I've always worked.
I get it because I have incurable cancer. I'm not going to be made to feel guilty about it.

Bolon · 04/09/2026 19:58

If you aren’t using every last penny in disability related expenditure of course you should feel guilty. It’s not a ‘sympathy’ cash payment fgs.

Ted27 · 04/09/2026 20:14

@Bolon

could you specify what you regard as disabilty related expenditure

lippylip · 04/09/2026 20:20

I don’t think people feel guilty claiming for their state pension/pension credit, child benefit, winter fuel so why should someone feel guilty for PIP?

Kirbert2 · 04/09/2026 20:27

I don't feel guilty at all that I claim DLA for my son. It doesn't even make a dent in the costs we have due to his disability.

OneLilacHedgehog · 04/09/2026 20:30

If you are on universal credit with three disabled children and you are disabled, you could easily be getting £3k benefits per month. Is this accurate for you? That is without rent.

Lemonorzo · 04/09/2026 20:37

Yes, I claim for DD. I went from full time work to having to be home with her FT, I’m not sure what would have happened to us financially otherwise.

DH should apply, he should have applied years ago. He has a degenerative disease, and yes it cost us, luckily he doesn’t have to pay for the massive amount of medication he gets at least. The review process has put us off, also organising the hundreds of pages of medical notes.

Lindy2 · 04/09/2026 20:41

I have a young adult with ADHD and other mental health issues. They have been awarded PIP.

It makes me feel very sad when ADHD seems to specifically be targeted as not a real disability.

All the daily struggles, time in hospital, mental health crisises etc seem extremely real to me.

OneScaredMamma · 06/09/2026 17:33

MarieBeau · 20/08/2026 19:48

Can I ask which autoimmune disease it is?

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Multiple Sclerosis.

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