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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Disability hate on MN

559 replies

IClaudine · 02/05/2024 13:31

Hi MNHQ

Since Sunak’s announcement on disability benefits, there has been a big increase on MN in hostility towards people who receive then.

The abuse, hate and outright lies (my neighbour’s son’s cousin’s wife climbs Mount Everest but gets PIP etc) being spewed on MN towards disabled people, a group with protected characteristics, has been dreadful and very distressing for disabled people and their loved ones to read,

Please can you do something?

Here is a small selection of the threads where the disability benefit bashers have paid a visit and had a field day. There may be more, but I can’t face searching for them!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5064828-to-be-terrified-about-pip?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share  

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5065470-people-who-work-have-anxiety-too?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5066670-aibu-to-hope-that-able-bodied-people-will-support-disabled-people-against-the-tory-attack-on-pip?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/money-matters/5064856-pip-vouchers-to-replace-money?reply=134966246&utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/money-matters/5066331-do-you-feel-bad-for-receiving-a-high-amount-of-uc?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
IClaudine · 22/02/2025 11:30

ValleyClouds · 22/02/2025 11:18

I just hide all benefit threads now @IClaudine depressing and not genuine

Yes, I know I should do the same. I do try not to get involved in them, but fail at times.

OP posts:
ValleyClouds · 22/02/2025 11:18

I just hide all benefit threads now @IClaudine depressing and not genuine

IClaudine · 22/02/2025 10:15

And here we are nearly two years later and it is still going on. There has been an uptick though, lately. The latest fabrication:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/amibeingunreasonable/5278536-should-i-report-my-cousins-benefit-fraud

The OP plopped and ran after two posts. I reported the thread but got the reply about challenging on the thread. MNHQ really doesn't seem to care about ableism on its site.

OP posts:
theotherfossilsister · 20/09/2024 13:33

TheFormidableMrsC · 19/09/2024 19:09

It was so upsetting, I had to hide it. Somebody also taking the piss out of people with fibromyalgia. My friend has that. She suffers so much. She works. She doesn't claim PIP because of people like that. It's sickening. Never mind disabled people having to be accountable for what they spend. Absolutely disgusting.

There is a lot of crazy disinformation on there too, I didn’t want to go on and correct it but I found it pretty upsetting. Also all the disabled people being judged for doing normal fun things ‘she gets pip but still danced at a wedding’

ugh

Dollenganger333 · 20/09/2024 13:18

@Thevelvelletes absolutely yeah

Thevelvelletes · 20/09/2024 09:41

Dollenganger333 · 20/09/2024 07:53

Turning different sections of the working class against each other is Tory 101.

Yes!! Literally the first thing they started to do in 2010.

They were at it long before.. single mothers were the devil incarnate and the source of all societies ills.
It's the classic look what they're getting and your not and worse still you're paying for it when in reality it's the divide and conquer tactics.

Dollenganger333 · 20/09/2024 07:53

Turning different sections of the working class against each other is Tory 101.

Yes!! Literally the first thing they started to do in 2010.

MaidOfAle · 19/09/2024 23:14

I hid the whole of AIBU because it's so toxic.

IClaudine · 19/09/2024 19:44

TheFormidableMrsC · 19/09/2024 19:09

It was so upsetting, I had to hide it. Somebody also taking the piss out of people with fibromyalgia. My friend has that. She suffers so much. She works. She doesn't claim PIP because of people like that. It's sickening. Never mind disabled people having to be accountable for what they spend. Absolutely disgusting.

I saw that one. Also neurological conditions are easy to fake. Yeah, I wish my DH was faking.

I am going to hide it too now. Look after yourself xx

OP posts:
TheFormidableMrsC · 19/09/2024 19:09

IClaudine · 19/09/2024 18:58

And still the disability hate continues. This is a charmer of a thread.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5169048-family-member-awarded-enhanced-pip-aibu

Edited

It was so upsetting, I had to hide it. Somebody also taking the piss out of people with fibromyalgia. My friend has that. She suffers so much. She works. She doesn't claim PIP because of people like that. It's sickening. Never mind disabled people having to be accountable for what they spend. Absolutely disgusting.

IClaudine · 19/09/2024 18:58

And still the disability hate continues. This is a charmer of a thread.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5169048-family-member-awarded-enhanced-pip-aibu

OP posts:
MaidOfAle · 01/06/2024 15:31

Lovepeaceunderstanding · 02/05/2024 20:36

@dontcallmelen , I’m in no position to decide who may be ‘undeserving’ but I also think that those who’ve done well for themselves don’t deserve to be punished either.
If we want a country that can offer appropriate support to those in need we must also support those who create wealth. It will never benefit those who need help to cause those who create wealth to leave or keeps their wealth elsewhere. Success for all comes from encouraging everyone to make the best they can of themselves. The pie can grow.

Land value tax: land can't be hidden or taken out of the country.

Turning different sections of the working class against each other is Tory 101.

UglySnottyCrying · 26/05/2024 20:51

Well their original post said they were in SE London, and later posts actually said Islington, so maybe not the brightest.

daisychain01 · 26/05/2024 11:58

TheFunHasGone · 02/05/2024 15:21

Some of the posters are so ridiculous I don't think they can actually be real, especially the ones who claim to be educated and earn well but still think they should just pack it all in because they will be better off on benefits 🙄

Or the ones on £175K who claim they don't have much left at the end of the month. It's difficult to ignore those sorts of goady posts when they come back on all wide-eyed and innocent, ooo sorry if I offended anyone. Yeah, well anyone who earns that kind of money can't be that thick as mince.

Dollenganger333 · 23/05/2024 15:45

IClaudine · 23/05/2024 14:40

The benefit bashers and their fairy tales are at it again on a thread about PIP fraud being 0%

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/chat/5080305-pip-fraud-is-0-says-dwp

MNHQ has said that whilst they are happy to intervene, it would be reserved for threads that they have reason to intervene on. But I am unclear what those reasons are other than a breach of the Talk guidelines?

(Edited to be fair and quote what MNHQ said rather than my possibly grumpy interpretation!).

Edited

Oh, not again those threads make me so mad.

PIP is nearly impossible to successfully claim without a tribunal as is.

I think it’s Tory bots spreading nonsensical propaganda.

IClaudine · 23/05/2024 14:40

The benefit bashers and their fairy tales are at it again on a thread about PIP fraud being 0%

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/chat/5080305-pip-fraud-is-0-says-dwp

MNHQ has said that whilst they are happy to intervene, it would be reserved for threads that they have reason to intervene on. But I am unclear what those reasons are other than a breach of the Talk guidelines?

(Edited to be fair and quote what MNHQ said rather than my possibly grumpy interpretation!).

PIP fraud is 0% says DWP | Mumsnet

The DWP latest report on benefit fraud states PIP fraud is 0% so all the mumsnetters who believe disabled people are scamming them out of their cash c...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5080305-pip-fraud-is-0-says-dwp

OP posts:
IClaudine · 04/05/2024 15:02

Neveralonewithaclone · 04/05/2024 13:24

I would say to those feeling (very very understably) upset to remember that you're being played. Benefits (everything except pensions) is an absolute dog whistle to just the most awful people who we wouldn't give the time of day to irl. That or bots or some weird 4chan type stuff. It's just content generating and what does MN want? Content and controversy.

For your OWN health and happiness use MN wisely in sections with like minded people. If other people need the resources they'll track you down in the safe bits.

Don't ruin your day by getting sucked in, you won't educate the masses, they don't give a shit.

I'm one of you and i understand. You need your energy for yourself and your family not some anonymous shower of shite.

I know what you are saying, but personally I will continue to challenge it on here when I feel up to doing so. Online hate bleeds into real life.

OP posts:
Neveralonewithaclone · 04/05/2024 13:24

I would say to those feeling (very very understably) upset to remember that you're being played. Benefits (everything except pensions) is an absolute dog whistle to just the most awful people who we wouldn't give the time of day to irl. That or bots or some weird 4chan type stuff. It's just content generating and what does MN want? Content and controversy.

For your OWN health and happiness use MN wisely in sections with like minded people. If other people need the resources they'll track you down in the safe bits.

Don't ruin your day by getting sucked in, you won't educate the masses, they don't give a shit.

I'm one of you and i understand. You need your energy for yourself and your family not some anonymous shower of shite.

Blackcats7 · 04/05/2024 12:18

IClaudine · 03/05/2024 20:48

It has started up again on yet another thread. I really have had enough now. I would delete my MN membership if it wasn't for the fact that there is a long running thread thatvI really enjoy.

Don’t leave, the hateful lot on here want to shame and eradicate us. We have to stick together and make our voices heard.

RainbowZebraWarrior · 04/05/2024 12:14

IClaudine · 04/05/2024 11:53

I am all for free speech, btw. But there is a difference between free speech and slinging around discriminatory hate and lies. Disability is a protected characteristic for a reason.

I totally agree and I've been arguing this point on a lot of threads. I feel like I've been banging my head against a brick wall, though.

Thanks again for posting this thread, IClaudine.

IClaudine · 04/05/2024 11:53

I am all for free speech, btw. But there is a difference between free speech and slinging around discriminatory hate and lies. Disability is a protected characteristic for a reason.

OP posts:
IClaudine · 04/05/2024 11:48

OP addressed this thread to MNHQ. It wasn't set up as a safe space but as a call to action

Thank you for letting me know what my intentions were when starting this thread!

I posted in "site stuff" knowing that many disabled people and carers on MN felt the same and thought it would be a good way for all of us to express our concerns to MNHQ and show them examples of what has been happening on the site.

@Noras I totally understand what you mean about being reluctant to post for advice due to the danger of getting a pile on.

I think you have some good ideas, btw. Maybe respond to the green paper if you haven't already done so?

OP posts:
Noras · 04/05/2024 10:04

Here’s some more

Take away the. 1.5 hours wait to get through to pip or universal credit - fit for work assessment team

Take away the lengthy fight and arguments over EHCP and funding

Simplify the funding of high needs at school into the EHCP rather than 2 systems

All these things take up huge amounts of time

More data sharing between DLA / pip and other agencies eg social services / NHS and colleges/ schools and other agencies eg housing
Frankly people with higher needs are known. Also ask the community groups set up by agencies for info - someone going weekly to a disability group with other learning impaired / ASD people is likely to be higher needs - it’s common sense.

Focus more on investigating everyone else as it’s stressful and with all the other stuff is a lot of work

Stop passing the buck - provide support to train the PA rather than telling parent carers it’s their job and also tell them what should be spent eg for trips out so we agree a budget with PA

Realise that the Pa rate is abysmal and makes it hard to recruit- make it a better job

but oh no the Government does not want to help it’s just launches an attack

TomeTome · 04/05/2024 09:51

I think it would be and is extremely helpful for people to understand what the current set up is and how funding is allocated. It’s very clear reading both pronouncements from on high and quibbles and spite from the less involved that people don’t understand how the benefits safety net works even though they pay for it.

Noras · 04/05/2024 09:50

Someone asked me about my futire plans amd age etc.

Background to these posts whilst I was being somewhat criticised re a cinema trip I learnt that my brother had had a severe medical emergency was hospitalised for 5 days but had not want to tell me to avoid distress. Suddenly I’m thinking about my own mortality - my mum had the same - and what happens to my son if I get dementia or die.

i was going to draft a post for advice re social housing or supported living but the level of nastiness has actually stopped me wanting to post re these things, so as things stand the current tone of MN is stopping people using it for one of its purposes which is to get advice from people who have experienced the same issues. I don’t trust it not to get hijacked by someone telling me for instance, that my son would be lucky to get housing when hard working tax payers are living in cars etc. Yet surely this is one of the purposes of MN to get help with challenging things where advice is not easily available.

How many people with a disabled offspring have contemplated suicide and then thought better not as we are going to have to stay alive to look after them? I know form talking to people a fair few.

The fact that I am thinking this about getting advice for my son who clearly has complex and challenging needs means that he will have needs which are more than John down the pub etc

The Government has not helped as their messages are really mixed making out that it’s all about people with a bit of mental health issue when their Green paper is far more wide sweeping than that. It’s been presented in a disingenuous way which is quite shocking. This is the most radical overhaul of benefits in at least 10 years. The whole purpose of pip was to trust the recipient and to avoid expensive administration in weighing up the multitude of ways. Quite frankly some of these costs just pop up and are not anticipated eg should we get an updated Ed Psych report for university costing £1500 as old reports more than 3 or so years are not accepted and also to inform the DSA?
what sort of tech should he have for university - do you have a clue as I don’t?
This reform is nothing to do with a bit of mental health but a desire to slash the pip budget thought a dubious consultation. It will impact people and it will most likely cost more.

You want to slash the cost of pip here’s a few ideas

Stop fighting people and provide the direct therapies eg OT and SALT that is needed to make real progress

Offer genuine support in school and also proper specialist school placements so that kids can reach their true potential

Offer life skills as part of that education form an early age- my son went through 19;years of life with no life skills from education - you reap what you sow.

improve buses to make them more ND friendly eg so my son does not have to stand on a busy bus and get brushed against which tortures him

Make sure buses turn up so that they don’t throw someone who had rigid thinking

make buses clean so that they don’t repulse someone with a high sense of smell

ban eating on buses

Set up local minibus services to transport the disabled - most were cost cut

Have swimming quiet hours for the disabled at public pools

offer more disabled sports

set up more disabled clubs or support more grass roots attempts because charitable status is impossible to get and it’s hard to get donations. They need premises and some funds as organisers usually have disabled kids and are carers themselves.

A lifetime need is a huge cost - help as you do with people, putting money away in pensions - parent to put away money tax fresh for their off spring to a reasonable level.

Educate the people to be aware that some people can’t make choices easily and will take time at a counter instead of people tutting

Allow people who get stressed in queues to fast track so they avoid the stress and make shopping more accessible - by stress I mean have sensory issues that make being touched feel like an electric shock

Develop body suits so people can experience life as someone with moderate needs ASD eg the intense fear of touch or the loud sounds and the force of the sound waves.

Sort out pavements so that there is no on pavement parking on narrow roads so that a disabled person is scared to go by for fear of being brushed against

likewise remove all overgrown bushes that impede movement along the pavement

restrict on pavement signage and general street furniture that impedes progress as agin it causes fear and distress.

So how is that for a start?