Do I keep quiet or report for potential benefit fraud?

[Keepnoseoutorreport]

I've namechanged (feel free to check with HQ)

So an acquaintance has had anxiety for years, claims PIP and can't work. I have anxiety too and know how crippling it can be it's absolutely horrific and find at its worst it stops me engaging in a social life, stops me sleeping, and I can barely function. So I'm not without sympathy.

However. This acquaintance has for the past 6 weeks without fail been out 2 or 3 times a week on big nights out, music gigs, hen dos etc and posted the photos all over facebook. In the next post the next day moaning that she is broke, too unwell to work and scared of losing her PIP

Now I'm getting pretty sick of it and feel she is taking the piss a bit and the way I see it I have a couple of options;

1. congratulate her on her recovery and quietly suggest she minds her Facebook closer as people may not take kindly to her posts

2. report her to dwp

3. seethe, delete and ignore and let her trip herself up in due course.

I'm torn between 1 and 3 in all honesty.

Report. If she can have 3 nights out a week, she can go to work and stop relying on the state to fund her.

Hopefully your acquaintance's social life is a sign of her recovery. Unfortunately as part of her recovery she will have to take the difficult step of coming off benefits at some point, which is understandably scary, if you know you can relapse very quickly, and it can take months to get benefits reinstated, if indeed you ever do.

2

Just leave the woman alone. Don't be the cause of distress.

all those saying report, do you have any idea how anxiety happens in some people? If this person is reported it may make them even worse.

PIP IS NOT MEANS TESTED.

YOU CAN CLAIM IT WHETHER YOU WORK OR NOT.

Just shouting for the thickos at the back there.

I have aniexty at my worse I didn't leave the house for 6 months, couldn't take DS 5 minutes over the road to play school.

At my best I've held a job down for the last 9 months, manage to actually go out in public and eat in public places too. It's swings and roundabout. You don't know how she's dealing with it. I'd stay out.

sorry but ive suffered from anxiety and depression for 10 years, and the only
thing i wanted was medication and counselling to help make it stop.

OPs friend is claiming PIP for extra income to help with any additional costs, which she clearly doesnt need. nights out, gigs, parties etc arent recommended treatments for anxiety. yes it affects people in different ways. but what, does she claim PIP to buy alcohol so shes less socially anxious in a night club?

"You do know that if you have severe anxiety these situations would be extremely difficult to go to, exhausting mentally and physically, and really not enjoyable."

Do YOU know not everyone experiences anxiety in the exact same way? Geez!

Lots of anxiety sufferers find it harder to be alone than in a crowd.

Not easy for anyone to get pip.

Esk1mo AGAIN pip is NOTHING to do with whether recipient is working or not. It's not means tested, it's not an out of work benefit. Ffs!

Report her and let the DWP investigate.

If she's fit to go out on the lash, mentally and physically, several times a week then I fail to see how work would be beyond her.

I don't get the mentality that it's not your business; benefit fraud is actually everyone's business, it's not victimless and frankly the whole "turn a blind eye" attitude boils my piss

So there.

Yeah, I'd say leave it. Being able to go out a few times a week and being able to go into work 9-5 every weekday are very different things.

hence why i said WORK ENOUGH HOURS to not need PIP to top up wages FROM WORKING.

hence why i said WORK ENOUGH HOURS to not need PIP to top up wages FROM WORKING

PIP DOESNT TOP UP WAGES. ITS NOT MEANS TESTED.

Even a millionaire can receive PIP.

Why don't you mind your own business and focus on your own life? Pathetic, people like you really piss me off. Little rubber necker with an opinion on everyone else's life that you know nothing about.

12 years here - is it mh top trumps?

I'm agoraphobic with mine but on forums and in group therapy I've met others who panic FAR more with quiet than noise/people. Such that even when at home they'll have tv and radio on to soothe them.

Just because I'm the opposite I don't neglect to engage intellect and empathy!

If you put all aspects of your life on social media then don't be surprised if someone raises an eyebrow once in a while.

I am erring on a "lovely to see you on the road to recovery, long may it last!" Message and then leave it be.

I get PIP.
Last year I went to a Harry Styles gig, on my own, and I drank alcohol there.
I have a lovely car, I've had it a year and there's less than 500 miles on the clock.
I've probably left the house, maybe 20 times since, and most times that's to the corner shop.
You have no idea of what anxiety and depression is, I also have physical disabilities too, but I look 'normal'
Claiming these benefits is a rigourous and nasty process, I've been doing it for 7 years now and I hate it.
I am judged constantly, I live a weird half life stuck in my home, and I just want to be well.

You have no idea how her (real or not) anxiety manifests. It may be legit, it may not. There's no way to tell imo.

Do you have any qualifications to diagnosis mental health issues, OP? Do you know if she's enrolled in CBT, possibly her homework is to test herself and go to things, which is why she is at things with people around her, supporting her.
Why not try to support your friend!

Anxiety is different for everyone. I have anxiety but I work and im.not scared or find it hard to have big nights out. Mine makes me irritable and worry about things that need'nt be worried about.
Sounds like you're jealous that she's enjoying lots of nights out.
I can see though how it would annoy u to see her going out and then moaning she has no money. But maybe her anxiety makes her a warrior.so she goes out that makes her feel better but next day worries about her money situation.

1!

What sort of anxiety does she have? I have anxiety and PTSD. (I don’t claim PIP)

My triggers include several things but going out and enjoying myself with my friends isn’t one of them. Unless this lady has personally told you that social events and crowds are a trigger for her and she’s lied to the assessment people I fail to see what she’s done wrong seriously keep your beak out.

esk1mo - You clearly know absolutely nothing about PIP or benefits. I wouldn't embarrass yourself with your ableist comments any more, if I were you.