Page 4 | AIBU to wonder if some pursue diagnoses hoping for benefits?

Iloveburgerswaymorethanishould · 02/04/2026 01:32

Newyearawaits · 01/04/2026 21:11

My understanding is that a adhd diagnosis enables parents to apply for carers allowance.
For adults, it enables application for PIP.
This information has been provided to me by persons in this group with real life experience

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Middle or high rate care part of DLA or PIP needs to be awarded, before carers allowance can be claimed. Even then it’s deducted from other benefits. A diagnosis wouldn’t allow someone to claim carers?

MustWeDoThis · 02/04/2026 01:42

WittyFawn · 01/04/2026 20:09

To feel like a lot of parents are seeking diagnosis of mental health ie; ADHD, bipolar etc for their children or even themselves with the hope of getting benefits for it? Am a mother and grandmother and just an observation from reading and hearing things. Just interested to know what other people think?

I think you're probably not qualified in the medical field to make this assumption, or in how the DWP works.

AIBU to wish boomers who do not educate themselves in present day neurodevelopment difficulties, should bore off already? And anyone else who sees the words ADHD, Autism etc and only have their two ovaries to rub together.

Bumble2016 · 02/04/2026 02:53

Id give up all the benefits and my salary if it meant my child's autism disappeared.

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 06:23

bellalula · 01/04/2026 22:33

I don't think parents set out with this intention initially. But then once they realise what a gravy train it is many see milking it.

Friend of mine pushed to get an autism diagnosis for her eldest DC from a very young age. Admittedly, there were some behavioural indicators for autism. But now he's got that badge for life. But by the time he reached teenage years he'd blossomed into a very neuro typical teenager, full of self confidence and social awareness. If he's autistic, then half the population must be too.

His mum has continued to claim DLA for him (a benefit that's supposed to assist with additional care or mobility needs over an NT child), even though there aren't any extra needs, never were. He's now 15 and thoroughly independent for his age, no extra expenses. But DLA assesment is simply have a diagnosis and fill in a form. The claimant is supposed to notify if there's a change in circumstances that affect the DLA eligibility, but no one ever does. And once you're receiving DLA, it then entitled you to extra UC benefits as well. And on top of that, friend has used ds's diagnosis to get priority on a larger council house, on the grounds that her DC can't share a room because of his Nd. So the 3 of them are now living in a new build house designed to accommodate 6 people. Meanwhile, I know of families of 8 (6 dc) overcrowded in a small 3 bed house, but because of the housing shortage and lack of a diagnosis they never become a high enough priority for a bigger house.

Now her eldest DC is approaching the age where DLA ceases (and then the child has to claim disability benefits in his own name, which he almost certainly won't meet the threshold for being eligible), she's pushing hard to get a Nd diagnosis for her younger DC in order to keep the gravy train going.

On paper, her family probably meets the definition of living in poverty, but in reality she can afford luxuries many of us can't - a camper van, several rounds of cosmetic surgery, luxury foreign holidays, and rainy day savings stashed in cash to hide from the benefits office.

A few weeks back I was talking to this friend and we got on to the subject of how my two DC are having to cope with sharing a smallish bedroom (half the size of what each of her DC have to themselves) and she retorted that I need to 'get a bigger house'. Which would be lovely, but I've stretched myself financially to be able to afford the mortgage on the house we have, up sizing is not a possibility. I had to bite my tongue not to come back with a snide remark about her playing the system to get her spacious house at the taxpayers expense, it's not so easy for those of us that have to pay our way legitimately and without state assistance.

You sound jealous and a little unaware of facts. Not nice.

There would need to be need to get DLA in the first place- autism and autistic behaviours aren’t enough.Autism doesn’t disappear, you don’t turn NT.

DLA is reviewed at the end of fixed periods notmally 3 years and you need to provide evidence of need to keep it. At 16 youneed to apply for PIP,which again is based on need.

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 06:26

Forestfire12345 · 01/04/2026 22:44

Absolutely. Teacher here .

If you are a teacher (which I doubt )you’ll know how hard it is to get through the screening process let alone the diagnosis process if school staff aren’t supportive.

Cyclingmummy1 · 02/04/2026 07:08

Tul1pFever · 01/04/2026 22:16

Depends.
Sometimes it’s the SENCo, sometimes class teacher, I’ve even known TAs do it for class teachers.

That’s just for screening.

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Pleased you agree with me that it's teachers and schools providing all the information needed.

Moonnstarz · 02/04/2026 07:10

While this post is likely to be posted as rage bait, the sad truth is yes for some. In the school I work at apparently it's the first question a lot of parents ask when they want to know from teachers if they notice that they might be ND.

Whether this is because they are more clued up on it and have better knowledge of what support could be given or whether it is just a money grabbing approach I am not sure.

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:21

Capillaryaction · 01/04/2026 21:35

I have a relative whose child was flagged for possible autism diagnosis.
They visited recently and said their child had in fact been diagnosed. Then talked about how much money they would get, what they would use it for if they get it.
They are both fully employed and doing well financially.
I wonder why money follows diagnoses?
Their daughter is doing well in school, so why do they automatically get paid out monthly for it?
I understand this is not the case for every autism diagnosis, some are desperately severe and do need additional financial help. But my relative's child does not.

Edited

Yeah that didn't happen🙄

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:24

Moonnstarz · 02/04/2026 07:10

While this post is likely to be posted as rage bait, the sad truth is yes for some. In the school I work at apparently it's the first question a lot of parents ask when they want to know from teachers if they notice that they might be ND.

Whether this is because they are more clued up on it and have better knowledge of what support could be given or whether it is just a money grabbing approach I am not sure.

Yes im on several Facebook group, s for DLA and lots of people put in very tenuous claims I see it on a daily basis
That doesnt actually mean they are successful though.

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 07:24

Cyclingmummy1 · 02/04/2026 07:08

Pleased you agree with me that it's teachers and schools providing all the information needed.

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🙄They don’t send all the info needed. They’re sent a screening form to fill in as are parents and other professionals working with them.It just makes an already hard process harder if ignorant staff that don’t know how it can vary in presentation or girls don’t list very valuable information.

CAMHS did my DD's in conjunction with the diagnosis service, she was so autistic they treated her as autistic very early on before they diagnosed her.School completely missed it even though l'd been in so many times raising concerns. She now has an EHCP and has had years in and out of hospital receiving expensive treatment. Her psychiatrist has stated several times that the lack of awareness and late diagnosis have been hugely detrimental. It has cause the tax payer so much more.

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 07:28

Moonnstarz · 02/04/2026 07:10

While this post is likely to be posted as rage bait, the sad truth is yes for some. In the school I work at apparently it's the first question a lot of parents ask when they want to know from teachers if they notice that they might be ND.

Whether this is because they are more clued up on it and have better knowledge of what support could be given or whether it is just a money grabbing approach I am not sure.

Bullshit!

You're telling me the first thing they ask teachers (who don’t work in the benefits field)- “what benefits will I get if we get a diagnosis.” Schools help children according to need and very few kids will be getting support at school that will
impact a DLA claim even with an EHCP which most ND children don’t have.

Every parent I know and have dealt with just wants help for their child.

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:33

Cyclingmummy1 · 01/04/2026 21:57

But are the ones being asked to fill in the forms which inform the diagnosis.

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No the parents full out the forms
The teacher maybe asked how the child presents in school and they have to be truthful.

Whatafustercluck · 02/04/2026 07:35

ThisMustBeMyDream · 01/04/2026 20:10

You don't need a diagnosis to make a claim for DLA. It is on care needs. Not diagnosis.

First post nails it.

Also nobody is spending hours and hours filling in forms and waiting 3-5 years, battling at every stage with various authorities, for a diagnosis they don't need, for a few hundred quid a month.

I am so fed up with all these goady threads about neurodivergence and benefits.

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:37

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 07:28

Bullshit!

You're telling me the first thing they ask teachers (who don’t work in the benefits field)- “what benefits will I get if we get a diagnosis.” Schools help children according to need and very few kids will be getting support at school that will
impact a DLA claim even with an EHCP which most ND children don’t have.

Every parent I know and have dealt with just wants help for their child.

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Actually I do see it on Facebook DLA groups where some parents are all about the money
They put in tenuous claims with no evidence
They get nowhere of course but it happens.

Whatafustercluck · 02/04/2026 07:38

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 06:26

If you are a teacher (which I doubt )you’ll know how hard it is to get through the screening process let alone the diagnosis process if school staff aren’t supportive.

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Particularly if your child masks heavily, yet school insist "nah, they're fine here". 🙄

TigerRag · 02/04/2026 07:47

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:24

Yes im on several Facebook group, s for DLA and lots of people put in very tenuous claims I see it on a daily basis
That doesnt actually mean they are successful though.

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I saw someone who put in a claim for her child who has myopia. She seemed rather shocked that it's not a disability

(there are some idiots who truly believe it is who have no idea how lucky they are that they can live a normal life with glasses)

I'd have to agree with the op to some extent. You see it on some groups where people say they've just been diagnosed what can they claim? But the hold down a full time job, have children, etc.

Moonnstarz · 02/04/2026 07:56

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 07:28

Bullshit!

You're telling me the first thing they ask teachers (who don’t work in the benefits field)- “what benefits will I get if we get a diagnosis.” Schools help children according to need and very few kids will be getting support at school that will
impact a DLA claim even with an EHCP which most ND children don’t have.

Every parent I know and have dealt with just wants help for their child.

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Not for all! Our most recent one asking this is a case of separated parents. One parent was very concerned over whether they could claim for anything and that they would get it.

x2boys · 02/04/2026 07:57

TigerRag · 02/04/2026 07:47

I saw someone who put in a claim for her child who has myopia. She seemed rather shocked that it's not a disability

(there are some idiots who truly believe it is who have no idea how lucky they are that they can live a normal life with glasses)

I'd have to agree with the op to some extent. You see it on some groups where people say they've just been diagnosed what can they claim? But the hold down a full time job, have children, etc.

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Yes of course i see it too but they dont get anywhere with it
They just waste everyone's time

RhaenysRocks · 02/04/2026 08:04

Chigreenen · 01/04/2026 21:34

Hmm. Who might better be able to tell if a child struggles with day to day life? A teacher that sees them every day, in all situations, when they are interacting with others, when they are at ease etc etc, or a medical professional who sees them one in a situation which is naturally strained?

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Hmm...try reading the 'not fine in school' Facebook group or something about masking. Teachers do not see kids in every situation. They see hem when they are using every ounce of energy to hold it together and appear fine and coping and even happy. What they dont see is the massive explosion of anxiety, anger, overwhelm and misery that happens at home. Im a teacher and a parent of ND kids by the way.

RhaenysRocks · 02/04/2026 08:05

TigerRag · 02/04/2026 07:47

I saw someone who put in a claim for her child who has myopia. She seemed rather shocked that it's not a disability

(there are some idiots who truly believe it is who have no idea how lucky they are that they can live a normal life with glasses)

I'd have to agree with the op to some extent. You see it on some groups where people say they've just been diagnosed what can they claim? But the hold down a full time job, have children, etc.

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To be fair, if you have a very high prescription, glasses are very expensive
. I spend a lot on my dds and her contact lenses which allow her to play sport. I can see an argument for funding that.

TigerRag · 02/04/2026 08:09

RhaenysRocks · 02/04/2026 08:05

To be fair, if you have a very high prescription, glasses are very expensive
. I spend a lot on my dds and her contact lenses which allow her to play sport. I can see an argument for funding that.

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It's based on needs and not whether you have extra costs

RhaenysRocks · 02/04/2026 08:20

Sure..well she needs her glasses / lenses to function. Blindness is a disability and there are degrees of it. Im not actually asking for it ..I am.in a position to afford it but if I weren't dd would have to stop sport as she cant play in her glasses. I can see an argument is all.

Chigreenen · 02/04/2026 08:41

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 06:23

You sound jealous and a little unaware of facts. Not nice.

There would need to be need to get DLA in the first place- autism and autistic behaviours aren’t enough.Autism doesn’t disappear, you don’t turn NT.

DLA is reviewed at the end of fixed periods notmally 3 years and you need to provide evidence of need to keep it. At 16 youneed to apply for PIP,which again is based on need.

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Do you think this child should be receiving DLA? What for? Don’t you think this money ought to be funnelled instead in increased payments to those with severe disability?

Tul1pFever · 02/04/2026 08:44

Chigreenen · 02/04/2026 08:41

Do you think this child should be receiving DLA? What for? Don’t you think this money ought to be funnelled instead in increased payments to those with severe disability?

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I don’t know the details of this child and neither do you.

Those with severe disability get enhanced pip ( which my dd receives)and it’s not black and white. Money has to be spread across all levels of need so no at the moment I don’t think benefits should be increased if it takes off others in need. I don’t think benefits should be demonised and should keep up with no inflation.

Whatafustercluck · 02/04/2026 08:52

RhaenysRocks · 02/04/2026 08:04

Hmm...try reading the 'not fine in school' Facebook group or something about masking. Teachers do not see kids in every situation. They see hem when they are using every ounce of energy to hold it together and appear fine and coping and even happy. What they dont see is the massive explosion of anxiety, anger, overwhelm and misery that happens at home. Im a teacher and a parent of ND kids by the way.

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Thank you for this. As a non-teacher parent to a heavily masking child who is currently unable to attend school, we have seen both the very best and the very worst of the teaching profession.

I have sat with my dd's reception teacher 5 years ago, who told me dd was 'fine' and displaying 'age appropriate' behaviours. She mentioned that dd was unable to share, but put this down to the pandemic, and proceeded to tell me that dd had removed all the play kitchen toys and stuffed them into a suitcase which she had in the oven. I told her that this behaviour of containing things was one we'd witnessed at home and that she appeared to do it when she felt out of control and needed to regulate herself in highly anxious situations. She completely ignored me.

The senco at the same school told me that dd 'just didn't want to wear shoes and socks' for me because she always put them on once she got into the classroom. She invited me onto her computer to fill in referral forms because 'we don't see any of this here'. The bundle for the Tribunal actually included an email from this woman stating "I have no doubt that this child experiences problems within the home environment with her parents, but at school she is doing well and we see none of these".

Another teacher (same school) visibly rolled her eyes as I attempted to encourage dd across the classroom threshold in Y1. That was shortly before dd stopped attending school for a half term due to what we now know was burnout.

We've been endlessly gaslighted and disbelieved, despite our cm also giving some very strong evidence.

Only recently, at 9yo, was dd finally diagnosed - by a multidisciplinary team of NHS ND experts - as having autism with associated anxiety. 5 years later!

She had two excellent teachers (and an ehcp) in Y2 and Y3 - what a huge difference they made to her. Both, incidentally, had direct lived experience of neurodivergence. Her junior school is informed, aware, understanding, supportive and the senco is incredibly proactive. Sadly dd is again suffering from burnout, despite this - because her ehcp is no longer sufficient for her needs. The school is fully supporting us to get it updated.