‘Game the system’ disability benefits

[Tomatochocolate]

WTF
just read a bbc article about welfare reforms

Apparently ministers think that it’s an incentive to claim disability benefits as the incentive is no work commitments on UC. That claimants ‘game the system’

It’s a long process and really hard to get awarded dla or pip. It’s not just ticking a box that says ‘I’m too sick to work’.

AIBU to think this is just horrific

I live alone with no kids. However, I do not owe you a breakdown of my finances. I am not going to ask you what your £20 per week on your disability is for.

This

Even the Government's own figures say its a miniscule amount of fraud.

People just make shit up to pick on the most vulnerable. Ableist crap.

That’s a shame as it could put paid to the rumours on here somewhat. As it is, speculation remains. I’ve given a breakdown of mine whenever asked, it’s an anonymous forum so it doesn’t really matter.

Oh it’s for needles (if I run out which is all the time), extra needle disposal bins, and a special diet which helps keep the seizures under control.

Obviously you don't have to share anything about your finances, @XenoBitch ! But when we are talking on this subject and people cite themselves as examples, it seems a bit silly not to be upfront and open. No one is forced to, but it's easier to discuss with real data.

You can find the answer on Google?

No, I don't.
I look on the benefits sub Reddit as there are verified DWP staff members on there, and they do tend to put a lot of people's mind at rest about things.
I am in some MH groups on FB but people rarely talk about benefits on there.

They mean free prescriptions.
A single person renting ends up about the same on benefits and PIP as on NMW.

I can’t find the exact thread but here’s another similar - £2150 per month plus partner’s income. I’ll have another look later and see if I can find the original

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/money-matters/5153509-does-this-universal-credit-amount-sound-wrong

Yeah sure! So what exactly is the point of your post then?🤔

I don't think free prescriptions is the gotcha that many people think it is. Anyone can pay £10pm and pay no more for them anyway. And certain health conditions mean you get free prescriptions too.

And there are different rates of PIP. The highest rate in both is still less than £800pm. And some people will swap a huge chunk for a car on the Motability scheme.

£800pm is a lot of money.

From what I remember, they had multiple children on highest rate DLA as they were severely disabled.

I am in particular not wishing to share as the poster asking was saying (on another thread) I should not be using benefits for pay for taxis to get to appointments. I am unable to use the bus. Some people ask because they just want to judge and deem it not worthy. I am not going to open myself up to that again.

It’s nearly half of a NMW full time job pay per month. Hearing people talk about it like it’s nothing is painful.

What is it then, a genuine question? Surely the "independence" part indicates it is to help people who need it do more than they would without it?

I worked as a Benefits Advisor for around 15 years. At first I accepted everything that was said to me as the truth, but unfortunately I had to change my opinion and become more sceptical.
Most people were honest but towards the end of those years I saw increasing numbers who I felt were gaming the system.
Specifically, exaggerating/ lying about symptoms, being vague about who lived in their house, lying about their assets.
So I would say these are the people whose dishonesty makes it harder for the genuinely very unwell to get the benefits they need and deserve.

Wise choice. That poster is not asking anything in good faith.

What is ‘good faith’? Agreeing with you? I’ve been open and frank and answered questions about myself with no issue. Yet funnily enough I don’t get it back when it means backing up what is being said with actual numbers.

My income is still way less than NMW. I hope you are happy with that answer.

I totally agree. I assume they are well-off middle-class people.
It is not much if you need carers to help you do everything, as you have to pay a lot towards the costs. But if you do not, it is a lot of money.

But most people on NMW pay rent or mortgage and you’re not, so it isn’t meaningfully comparable.

It is for people who need care. To get dressed, washed, etc, or for supervision.
You can feel very ill, but still be able to look after yourself.

Using it for travelling to appointments is exactly what it should be used for. I use taxis for travelling to my sons appointments too.

I do not have an issue with people who need to get DLA and PIP, but please do not pretend it is pocket change.