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Why are ADHD benefits in the firing line?

506 replies

FunStork · 08/07/2026 22:36

I've been seeing this a lot recently.

Feels like the media is very much against ADHD benefits claims.

Why is that the one that seems to be getting all the focus?

Another one from BBC Verify tonight:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c24ym9yd8p6o

Is this an orchestrated campaign?

The head and shoulders of Andy Burnham, wearing glasses, a white shirt and a blue blazer, on a blue Verify-style background, with Verify logo in the top left hand side corner.

How rise in ADHD benefits claims is adding to Andy Burnham's welfare challenge

More than 100,000 people with ADHD as their main condition receive Pip, latest figures show, an increase of 40% since Labour came to power.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c24ym9yd8p6o

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Onmytod24 · 09/07/2026 10:33

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:16

…And this is the reason I can never start a post asking for advice on helping my nephew. For a start, he is not at university. He would dearly love that. He is at a specialist sixth-form college for his dyspraxia and ADHD. Do you not understand - he is only 18 and would love to find a role in work? I was replying to @TerribleEntrepreneur ’s post because I recognised my nephew in the people she describes. I in no way equate other disabilities, I am frustrated that here is a young man who would love to be useful, earn a modest wage that we can help him budget with, and gain confidence.

Edited

Okay he’s at college not uni sorry my mistake but I’m not sure. Still what you’re saying he’s 18 and like a lot of 18-year-old can’t find a job but he’s at college so is he looking for a job? I don’t get it.

emuloc · 09/07/2026 10:34

lemons82 · 09/07/2026 10:32

I have severe anxiety but still manage to hold down a job with the help of medication. Would I be eligible to claim PIP?

That depends on how your condition impacts your life, so no one here can honestly say if you would qualify or not, based on what you have just written.

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:35

lemons82 · 09/07/2026 10:32

I have severe anxiety but still manage to hold down a job with the help of medication. Would I be eligible to claim PIP?

If your able to care for yourself , cook etc undertake a journey from A to B independently then probably not.

BackToLurk · 09/07/2026 10:35

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:16

…And this is the reason I can never start a post asking for advice on helping my nephew. For a start, he is not at university. He would dearly love that. He is at a specialist sixth-form college for his dyspraxia and ADHD. Do you not understand - he is only 18 and would love to find a role in work? I was replying to @TerribleEntrepreneur ’s post because I recognised my nephew in the people she describes. I in no way equate other disabilities, I am frustrated that here is a young man who would love to be useful, earn a modest wage that we can help him budget with, and gain confidence.

Edited

Hi @Emmasblackboard can I recommend you look at the Facebook Group ADHD UK | Support Group for Parents of Adult Children. Also look at ADHD UK's website. I appreciate you are not the parent but there is lots of great advice and support.

Itchthescratch · 09/07/2026 10:35

dizzydizzydizzy · 09/07/2026 09:05

You don’t get an ADHD diagnosis if you have “no difficulties” but of course they are not necessarily the difficulties that the DWP considers on a PIP application.

i have a very disabling chronic illness that makes me too ill to work. I applied for PIP, went to tribunal, lost and reapplied and won. The PIP application process is dehumanizing and harsh. A lot of the success or failure comes down to how well you fill in the form
and the quality of evidence you provide - a diagnosis is not usually enough because in the eyes of the DWP it doesn’t prove that you have difficulty with washing or dressing (for example).

I think there are two issues here:

Firstly, the idea that there is some binary distinction between ND and NT people has caused all sorts of havoc in terms of how people perceive their challenges. I can't tell you the amount of times that people have insisted that ND means that people's brains are 'wired' differently and that NT people can't understand the struggles of ND. It's all nonsense. Very few people have a completely NT brain. We all show variation and our brains will be structured differently to reflect lots of different personality traits such as kindness, extraversion or conscientiousness. Traits associated with ADHD and ASD are no different to this.

Many of us have ADHD and ASD traits and brains that reflect this. Somewhere along the line we draw a relatively diagnostic arbitrary line that separates those with sub clinical traits and those that can get a diagnosis. How you describe your traits, behaviour and the impact they have on your life will determine whether you're eligible for a diagnosis, not the actual differences in your brain. It's highly subjective and obviously open to intentional and unintentional manipulation. Some people will naturally underplay things and some overstate things.

We know for example that there is strong link between ADHD traits and Somatic Symptom Disorder so that patients with ADHD often overstate the impact of their ADHD on daily life. Research has shown that patients will report for example, intense brain fog when actually their cognitive functioning is only mildly impaired. They are more likely to perceive larger impacts because they are more introspective and hyper vigilant than the average person. It is complicated to untangle but ironically ADHD traits can lead to an overstating of ADHD symptoms.

Put simply, the brain is super complex and very few people are completely NT. Most of us will have undesirable traits that we need to manage and there is a tendency to overstate the impact of traits on our daily life. Instead of maintaing this ND and NT distinction, we need much more acceptance of the grey where most people sit. You will have challenges associated with ND traits that will make your life more difficult and expensive. This is normal. We should expect this in the same way we expect to get some physical health complaints over our lifetime. We must try to manage these as much as possible and not let them define us. ND has entered identify politics and we know how dangerous this is.

Secondly, in the context I outlined above, with the acceptance of everyone having ND traits and to some extent ND brains, we need to be careful about how benefits are allocated. The idea that the state can insulate you from the impact of your ND traits simply isn't realistic other than in extreme cases. We don't have the money, resource or desire as a population to do this so we need to be more honest about this. Yes, you might have ADHD and find life more difficult because of this. You might have subclinical traits that also make your life harder. To a certain extent this unfortunately is just the way it goes in the same way that I have to pay for glasses and contact lenses for my crap eyesight and pay to dye my hair because it's turning grey at a young age. I have to work really hard to not be overly agreeable and often get myself into difficult situations due to this trait. We are humans and complex beings.

ETA sorry the quoted post wasn't super relevant to what I needed up writing but can't remove it now.

Vinvertebrate · 09/07/2026 10:41

clearlyy · 09/07/2026 10:19

I have a diagnosis of autism and adhd that I received at 23 and 30 respectively. I do not consider myself disabled. I run a home, hold down a job, and although I really struggle I’ve learned to adapt over my whole life. Yeah, I have meltdowns and I’m mentally exhausted and have to take time off work sometimes but I do not ever say I have a disability. This is exactly why people think people with ADHD don’t need it. I pay more fines, I earn less money, I am in debt, because of impulsivity but also those are choices I made in my life. I don’t need extra money and herein lies the problem. PIP is supposed to be for support for those who cannot work, and have to pay for expensive treatments.

my exs stepdad got PIP by exaggerating his depression and “agoraphobia”. We went on holiday every year so he was fucking not agoraphobic. I don’t know how he got it. There was nothing wrong with him. Yet when I went with my severe depression and exit a few years ago I was noped out the door with “but you can walk 50m”.

That is just you, though - it does not mean that everyone with these conditions can just try a bit harder and achieve those things.

There needs to be a better way to distinguish between people who genuinely cannot function at work as a result of their neurodivergence, those who are fraudulently claiming and those who are (frankly) a bit lazy and "excuse" their idleness by asserting ADHD/ASC in a sort of "learned helplessness" state. This is a terrible thing for young people, and I suspect it is partly driven by the lack of decent prospects for them in the UK generally.

My son has classic autism and ADHD, as well as a host of other ND or related diagnoses. He was diagnosed at age 3 and has been in specialist school since year 1. He will never hold down a job or live independently. He is nearly 10 and cannot use cutlery, clean his teeth, cross a road or wash/dress himself. This is not the same as someone who has poor organisation skills and is a bit scatty, but otherwise a functioning human, and this needs to be recognised.

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:42

Cannybeme · 09/07/2026 10:24

The government would be better spending the money given out on DLA/PIP for ADHD, on correctly diagnosing and supporting those with it.

Throwing cash out to placate the naughty behaviour ADHD’ers is a lazy government. And before anyone comes for me, I am generalising and I know that there will be those whose ADHD may be severe and have other implications on their lives.

My nephew is as you describe in your last paragraph and I agree! He’s 18 and so ready to make himself useful at work but - even at a specialist college - he is having to take A-levels (2) and is constantly deflated by trying so hard in modules and getting poor results. Yet two roles he had until 18 (ball squad at major London football club and fire cadet) are now over for him and he is lumped in with every other adult of working age. Both of those, he was praised for his commitment, he could plan them and took them very seriously. He used to be there so early as he was worried about being late. He doesn’t want to claim benefits, he wants to earn! He wants to be useful! Believe me, I’m looking into everything I can but I also can’t push him, he gets overwhelmed.
Thank you @TerribleEntrepreneur for understanding - the old “walk a mile in my shoes” or in my case, alongside my nephew - and I’m sorry to hear of your own struggles. You sound incredibly empathetic and it fills my heart with joy to hear you’re still in touch with someone you mentored.

Victorius19 · 09/07/2026 10:42

It's getting to a scary stage where the welfare system seems to pay out for anything. Taxpayers are going to be the significant minority if something isn't done to balance the scales back out.

TigerRag · 09/07/2026 10:42

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:32

Did you challenge that?

Yes I did. The most bizarre thing was that her own evidence (as someone who applied for amongst other things, on the basis of a visual impairment, they carry out basic tests) backed up what I and my consultant were saying

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:42

chocoluv · 09/07/2026 10:01

I know for a fact that one is getting £500-600.

He does everything that my DC does, in fact he seems to cope better than many people his age.

I’m confused as to what that money is supposed to be helping him with and what’s worse is that he knows he can’t get a job because his parents told him his money will stop.

Its not an out of work benefit people csn still work and claim PIP.

chocoluv · 09/07/2026 10:43

glitterpaperchain · 09/07/2026 10:25

I don't know what 16 year old boy you mean. You mentioned someone whose attitude is they won't work and they'll just claim benefits, but they won't just hand out benefits to someone for no reason. You need evidence.

There's also a wider issue here of lack of support for young people. I've said on MN before I have a family member who used to work with young people not in education, training or work and helped them get into one of those and off benefits. The funding was cut, him and his colleagues no longer do it, the job no longer exists. There's always been a culture of 'don't work just live off the state' among some people, maybe today the excuse is ADHD. But the solution isn't to attack the benefits system.

Yes and the evidence with ADHD is knowing the right things to say and boxes to tick, that’s the issue.
(which is really frustrating for those with actual debilitating ADHD)

Half of the time it’s the parents forcing it because they benefit from it too.

And I completely agree about the lack of support for young people.

I have never been a ‘benefit basher’ before but I am shocked at how many young people are not only getting benefits but also having no aspirations for a career because of the benefit system.

This 16yo boy who is receiving £500 a month is not wanting to go to college because he thinks he can’t get ever a job in the future.

That money is meant to help him cope with life but I can’t see how it is.

I would much rather that money be put into youth centres and help young people that way.

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:44

TigerRag · 09/07/2026 10:42

Yes I did. The most bizarre thing was that her own evidence (as someone who applied for amongst other things, on the basis of a visual impairment, they carry out basic tests) backed up what I and my consultant were saying

You do hear of that
I had to go to Tribunal to get the highest rates for my don
Are you getting the correct rates now?

chocoluv · 09/07/2026 10:45

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:42

Its not an out of work benefit people csn still work and claim PIP.

But if he’s working FT it will affect his parents benefits as his income will be taken into account.

petitpasta · 09/07/2026 10:45

A relative of mine has a full time management job, is studying for a degree and competes in a sport for which she trains most days. She has recently been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and now has pip and a brand new motability car. She openly admits that, as she works in an adjacent field, she "knew what to put on the form". This is the reason why people are getting restless about this sort of diagnosis being the gateway to taxpayers cash.

If you can hold down a management job whilst studying for a degree and participating in competitive sport I think I am entitled, as a taxpayer, to ask what is going on.

And yes, I fully intend to report her for benefit fraud because she is totally taking the piss.

x2boys · 09/07/2026 10:46

chocoluv · 09/07/2026 10:43

Yes and the evidence with ADHD is knowing the right things to say and boxes to tick, that’s the issue.
(which is really frustrating for those with actual debilitating ADHD)

Half of the time it’s the parents forcing it because they benefit from it too.

And I completely agree about the lack of support for young people.

I have never been a ‘benefit basher’ before but I am shocked at how many young people are not only getting benefits but also having no aspirations for a career because of the benefit system.

This 16yo boy who is receiving £500 a month is not wanting to go to college because he thinks he can’t get ever a job in the future.

That money is meant to help him cope with life but I can’t see how it is.

I would much rather that money be put into youth centres and help young people that way.

£500 wont be enough to live on.

BackToLurk · 09/07/2026 10:48

@Itchthescratch

I think this The idea that the state can insulate you from the impact of your ND traits simply isn't realistic other than in extreme cases. We don't have the money, resource or desire as a population to do this so we need to be more honest about this. Is a really good point. My younger son has ADHD. He works. He doesn't claim any benefits. He was diagnosed as a young adult, although we always felt that there was 'something going on'. The fact is, he wouldn't be in the position he is if

  1. we didn't have the space and other resources to enable him to continue living at home.

  2. we didn't have the time and resources to support him, and I mean 'scaffolding' pretty much everything to do with going to college and finding employment. Planning out applications, emails, CV, assignments etc. and a lot of life admin.

Essentially, for him to be where he is now - which still leaves a lot to be achieved/desired - he would have needed the state to 'be his mum'. And as you say I don't think that is realistic.

Viviennemary · 09/07/2026 10:50

petitpasta · 09/07/2026 10:45

A relative of mine has a full time management job, is studying for a degree and competes in a sport for which she trains most days. She has recently been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and now has pip and a brand new motability car. She openly admits that, as she works in an adjacent field, she "knew what to put on the form". This is the reason why people are getting restless about this sort of diagnosis being the gateway to taxpayers cash.

If you can hold down a management job whilst studying for a degree and participating in competitive sport I think I am entitled, as a taxpayer, to ask what is going on.

And yes, I fully intend to report her for benefit fraud because she is totally taking the piss.

I agree. People with genuine debilitating conditions are struggling through complicated forms. While other people in the know seem to be getting pip for no reason . I think Pip should be abolished and replaced with a benefit for people with disabilities

angelos02 · 09/07/2026 10:51

I know someone that gets PIP for mobility issues and has just got a dog!

Thistoo2023 · 09/07/2026 10:53

XenoBitch · 08/07/2026 22:42

Because when you list your conditions when applying for PIP, ADHD is at the top because it is in alphabetical order.
There have also been articles about people claiming PIP for acne, and anxiety, an autism.

Funny, that.

Edited

So why did it increase by 40 per cent in the last few years? Did the order of the alphabet change 🙄.
Are you claiming it for your cognitive difficulties?

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:54

Onmytod24 · 09/07/2026 10:33

Okay he’s at college not uni sorry my mistake but I’m not sure. Still what you’re saying he’s 18 and like a lot of 18-year-old can’t find a job but he’s at college so is he looking for a job? I don’t get it.

Ok sorry I’m trying not to out him too much (though just now I posted about his hobbies so hopefully you’ll read that) and was trying to be brief. But what I mean is that I, my parents and even he feel he’s “filling time” at this college as he is struggling with the A-levels and they’re making him too niche. He is your typical - in the old days - starts a job somewhere at 16 and is given a small amount of responsibility. Then they see something in him and give him more, but at the same time, like @TerribleEntrepreneur ’s examples, there are certain tasks to do with dexterity that he really cannot manage. Plus an understanding of money and so many other things. But as long as he can do what he is given, he would keep on doing that while it helps and makes people happy. I’m actually trying not to dwell on the negatives but big-up his strengths. And herein lies the problem. I honestly wish you could meet him because he’s the most wonderful - I almost wrote child because he still is really. Ultimately, you can call me selfish but I want him to find his role as I’m not going to be around forever and my children are in their twenties so it will fall to them to keep an eye, and the more we can make him a positive member of society the more it will also help my children and him by being more equal as cousins. Believe me, he is incredibly perceptive and he’d never want to seem a burden.
Sorry so long.

emuloc · 09/07/2026 10:54

angelos02 · 09/07/2026 10:51

I know someone that gets PIP for mobility issues and has just got a dog!

So? Does having mobility problems mean that you cannot have a dog? This person that you are talking about, may have a big enough garden for their dog, employ a dog walker, may have a scooter, may have family to walk the dog, etc, etc, etc!

Lovingapeacefulgarden · 09/07/2026 10:56

The goverment need to crack down on dodgy private clinics diagnosing ASD and ADHD without following the NICE criteria. My child was diagnosed years ago with ASD and ADHD by the NHS and is still under the paediatric team but I have seen a hue change in how people view these conditions. Social media has convinced some people that if they do a few things they have these conditions which is nonsense as it is a triage of impairments. Add to that some unscrupulous private companies are capitalising on this and chronic under funding of NHS diagnostics services the systems is broken.

My teenager is in a specialist provision school placement and has been since P1. If a child needs no help in school, can undertake multiple activities, socialise well and doenst like the word no that doesnt make the autistic or have adhd but some companies are diagnosing kids like this then putting them on a controlled medication which can have seruous and dangerous side affects.

Every aspect of ny teenagers life and ours is difficult because of his needs. Not all private companies are dodgy but some are and something needs to change. The government need to ensure a stringent evidence based diagnostic and disability benefit is in place.

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:57

emuloc · 09/07/2026 10:54

So? Does having mobility problems mean that you cannot have a dog? This person that you are talking about, may have a big enough garden for their dog, employ a dog walker, may have a scooter, may have family to walk the dog, etc, etc, etc!

Also may have taken on an older rescue dog from someone who’s died - people love to give vague examples!

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:59

Lovingapeacefulgarden · 09/07/2026 10:56

The goverment need to crack down on dodgy private clinics diagnosing ASD and ADHD without following the NICE criteria. My child was diagnosed years ago with ASD and ADHD by the NHS and is still under the paediatric team but I have seen a hue change in how people view these conditions. Social media has convinced some people that if they do a few things they have these conditions which is nonsense as it is a triage of impairments. Add to that some unscrupulous private companies are capitalising on this and chronic under funding of NHS diagnostics services the systems is broken.

My teenager is in a specialist provision school placement and has been since P1. If a child needs no help in school, can undertake multiple activities, socialise well and doenst like the word no that doesnt make the autistic or have adhd but some companies are diagnosing kids like this then putting them on a controlled medication which can have seruous and dangerous side affects.

Every aspect of ny teenagers life and ours is difficult because of his needs. Not all private companies are dodgy but some are and something needs to change. The government need to ensure a stringent evidence based diagnostic and disability benefit is in place.

Agree with you totally. My sister actually didn’t want to accept the ADHD assessment many years ago - no for shame but she wanted to explore more before going down a specific path - it became more and more obvious though.

emuloc · 09/07/2026 11:01

Emmasblackboard · 09/07/2026 10:57

Also may have taken on an older rescue dog from someone who’s died - people love to give vague examples!

That's right, they do. Some people really seem to think that people being disabled, and claiming anything, should have very little quality of life. I find some attitudes quite disturbing.