Controversial use of benefit money?

[1Ivebeenthinking]

Imagine an autistic person, unemployed, very little to no prospects of employment (due to systematic failures). They will avoid eating and make themselves ill, but it’s not AFRID because they will eventually eat, just not enough or often enough, and eating foods they don’t like make them feel ill, and results in their behaviour and mood being worse.

They will willingly eat more expensive, quality foods that are deemed as luxury like fresh fish, steak and berries as the texture and taste doesn’t bother them like cheaper versions do.
Do you think this autistic person has a legitimate reason for using their benefits to pay for more expensive foods? Will they be judged for this because people in work can’t afford it?

Are they still able to cover their bills?

They can use their benefit money for whatever they like

They can buy whatever quality food they want, it's absolutely no one else's business unless they are asking someone else for money to fund them. Personally I don't consider fresh fish and berries as luxury food.

Anyone can use their benefit money to buy whatever food they want and are able to eat, regardless of them being autistic or not. I don’t see it being an issue. Plenty of people on benefits smoke and drink, I don’t see how that’s anyone else’s business either tbh.

Do they have joint finances with someone who is eating beans on toast ?

I don’t see what the problem is? As long as their bills are paid and whatever .. people on benefits shouldn’t have to eat aldi beans for every meal.

Also it’s insane food in any capacity is deemed as a luxury.

You’re complaining about someone on benefits using their money to buy food?

Why do you ask?

It’s no one’s business what PIP money is spent on. It should go towards expenses created by the individuals disability. If this means buying certain foods due to palatability or sensory issues so be it. Not sure if you are the one questioning this??

Eating healthy nutritious food which meets their sensory or other needs seems like an excellent use of their money.

My friend uses her sons PIP for things like this. It's what he likes. I can't see a problem with it.

This. Why do they think other people are interested in what they're eating? How will other people actually know what they're eating unless they make announcements or treat it like it's a big thing?
As long as they are paying their bills and not taking money from other people, it's not a thing of interest to anyone!

This.

People can chose to spend their money any way they want.

Absolutely this. It’s a completely appropriate use of benefits. I’m glad those who need it have this safety net

I’m glad about the answers on this thread.

I am curious about why you are asking OP? Has someone said something negative to you about this? If they have, they are an idiot.

Fresh berries are very expensive if you’re on a low income.

It's fine. I've recently discovered that 1st class train carriages are a game changer for a teen with autism who gets DLA.

They can spend it on quality street and cigarettes if they want. It's their money.

I have been known to use my pip money for a bouncy blow dry and having my nails done.... it's never occurred to me that I should have to justify what I spend the payments on.

I'm aware they can be expensive compared to say apples and oranges, but strawberries can be had relatively cheaply depending where you shop, as can blueberries. It's only really raspberries and blackberries that are generally always higher priced.

This is it. Nailed it.

I used my benefit money to buy lamb recently. Was that ok?

OP - are you the person you are talking about, and you feel judged?

Absolutely this! My disabled mother used to use her PIP to upgrade to first class as it meant she was able to travel without pain, her MS then got significantly worse and she's now bedbound in a care home, I'm so glad she was able to travel while she could

I don’t want to live in a society where we dictate what people who are on benefits can or cannot buy. They can use their money for whatever they like.