‘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

Yep! Rolling it in.

And with rent paid, you can get as much as someone on NMW.

Rent is not a gotcha. Not every has housing costs.

@XenoBitch Genuinely, I think if someone has been unkind to you on a previous thread it is entirely reasonable not to want to share anything with them! And even if that context wasn't present, you still wouldn't be obligated to.

I personally don't agree that you shouldn't be able to use taxis. There are many perfectly legitimate reasons for that need, of course.

I can only speak for DLA but in my experience, if you appeal and MR is refused, you are still asked to provide more evidence. Especially if a reason why MR is refused is due to lack of evidence.

No one is getting HRC and HRM for their child simply because they stated on the form that they need to be under 24/7 supervision.

Just because you don't agree with someone, doesn't make their opinion a troll one. Loads of people on this thread are claiming that it's benefit bashing or disabled hate to criticise the system or admit that some people make false claims or exaggerate, but in fact there are those of us like me who are disabled and as a direct result of that, see this occurring! Of course I am not anti benefits as someone who receives them myself. I just want a functional, fair system.

I did not say they had. But people are claiming PIP is always a pittance. Its not riches, but there is an incentive for some people to exaggerate for benefits.

A lot of the benefit bashing on here is a lack of understanding about the system, and now much it pays.

PIP is not meant to replace income. No one can live off PIP. The max is around £800pm.

Also a gateway to other benefits such as council tax reduction

That is a lot. With housing benefit and universal credit, it is more than I got when single and working.
You do not understand how little many people earn.

Also a gateway to other benefits such as council tax reduction

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-peoplee*

There are no council tax reductions for being on PIP.
Council tax reductions are based on means tested benefits like UC. Or Severe Mental Impairment.

Another poster spouting things that they know nothing about.

You can absolutely live off £800 if you don’t have housing costs, as a single person with no commuting or work related costs.

Back in 2011 I was an apprentice when they weren’t entitled to the minimum wage. I was paid £900 a month, and £300 of that was rent. I was left with £600 for bills, food, bus fare to work, everything.

I agree - if you do not work, and have no mortgage or rent, and the state covers all your expenses, it’s easy to lose touch with how little people earn and how high their expenses are. Hence dismissing £800 as ‘not much’.

Many moons ago I worked for the DWP in a call centre, there are absolutely people who know the right form of words, and have a complete lack of shame, to get benefits they’re not entitled to. How ever hard you think it is it’s still easier than working.

In fairness, £600 in 2011 surely had more purchasing power than £800 does now.

Yes it would’ve, but I had more expenses - the bus was £4 a day for example.

I think people forget not working is in itself a benefit. Lots of people say they would ‘love to work, but can’t’, but let’s face it getting up at 6am in the dark of a winter’s morning to catch a bus from a rainy bus stop, work for 8 hours with people you’re not keen on in a job that barely holds your interest is nowhere near as relaxing as lying in every day, getting up when you like, not doing everything at breakneck speed, spending your time as you wish.

IF what you’re saying is true (big IF!), then I bet that accounts for a teeny amount of claims. And that the absolute vast majority of claims wont be awarded without medical evidence.

My DS’s DLA claim has recently been awarded until 2030. On the award letter it says they have made their decision based on what was written on the form and the medical reports I sent in. I don’t think for one millisecond that he would have been awarded it without that evidence.

@Wildflowers99 Yes, that's also a fair point. I don't disagree with you that it's possible to live on a much lower income than people sometimes assume (not necessarily anyone on this thread, just speaking generally). I do think it must be very irritating for taxpayers to see claimants talking about how small benefits payments are when my impression (as a claimant) is that they're quite generous. When I received ESA as well as PIP, I genuinely felt that was a lot of money. It's only since I ceased being eligible due to my marriage (and now only receive PIP, so my total yearly income is circa £8500) that I struggle.

Except I have a family with bipolar on PIP and council tax reduction (expect you’ll be along in a moment to say I’ve made it all up, do carry on as I’m expecting it)

They likely get the severe mental impairment disregard meaning they are disregarded for CT purposes. I've no idea how people with MH issues get this yet those with physical issues don't. It's a 25% discount so not insignificant.

Exactly. People say you need medical evidence, you don't, hence People sharing what to say to fame the system.

I am all for genuinely disabled people getting help but I know people game the system and that's not fair.

Thanks @Miley1967 so not spouting total fabricated rubbish after all (me I mean)

The reduction is not linked to PIP though. My DH has had full rate PIP for years, but no CT reduction, sadly. These are how the discounts for disabled people work. Obviously different if a person is on means tested benefits:

www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people