Has media coverage of benefits made anyone else feel guilty claiming PIP?

[JustHereForthePIP]

With all the fury in the media about benefits and scroungers, has it made anyone else feel guilty they get PIP, like it somehow makes you "less than". Or you shouldn't claim if you could scrape by without it?

I realised my household (me and 3 disabled DC) get quite a lot in disability benefits. But as none of us had any issues applying for PIP/DLA (all went through with no appeals, just accepted on the medical evidence) we're probably all quite far over the threshold to need it. As in it's bloody obvious we're disabled.

I think part of the guilt is that I still work as well, although I know it's not an out of work benefit. Oldest DC is in final year at school and also died a supported weekend job to build life skills. So we have other income, but still get DLA/PIP.

Not even a tiny bit.

Maybe you feel you’re getting too much and that makes you feel guilty.

If the money is to give your kids a better life - take it

No. The media coverage trying to portrait disabled people as a burden and as 'scroungers' is disgraceful.

I agree, however I’ve had to retire due worsening to ill health, have paid tax and NI since I was 18, even worked through uni and PhD, had a well laid career and put far more into the system than many … so I’ve come to terms with it!

My friend felt guilty until I persuaded her she's exactly the sort of person who would benefit from it. It was a gruelling process and I felt really guilty seeing her go through it but she got the maximum award. She's now out and about so much more and I'm delighted for her. People shouldn't feel guilty because they think others are less fortunate. They are the less fortunate ones.

It’s supposed to compensate for higher life expenses.
If you are paying more than most for extra washing, parking, transport, medicine, therapies etc then that’s what it’s for.
You may also have had to reduce hours to cover medical appointments.

I get a little irritated by a friend on benefits who is forever out and about being a lady who lunches. But she is periodically completely unable to work so there wouldn’t be any point her trying to in the current climate.

No I don’t feel guilty. It is a tiny fraction of the extra costs plus lost income I have had to adapt to.

Yes, I had a good cry to my therapist about it all this week. She's suggested I avoid X/facebook etc

I don't feel at all guilty for ds pip, he was well over the line on assessment.

However I don't know what to do with it. What he really needs is a mum to support him, help him navigate life, calm him, remind him to do everything and advocate for him. When he's older it can be spent on practical things like ready meals, taxis, a cleaner. I would happily give the pip up in return for more support but it buys about 2 hours a week which is a drop in the ocean.

Not at all do I feel guilty. It makes me angry and scared. Im terrified that I will lose my PIP when they change it.

i wonder if people may be a bit unsure which way to vote, I was. You’re being unreasonable to feel guilty, claiming is perfectly reasonable, it’s exactly what it exists for, the extra costs involved. The claim process is very involved, not just a tick box form as some people appear to think.

You're right, I should have explained the voting! I really appreciate all the replies so far though.

I don't think you can trust any one trying to get in power.

I'm in the process of applying now for it. Do I feel guilty? not at all. I didn't ask for a terminal illness to be diagnosed at 38. I'll be lucky if I get 5 years claiming benefits and I won't ever receive a state pension so I think I'm small fry. If anyone begrudges me claiming PIP so that I can put the small meagre amount towards hospital parking costs and be able to enjoy what little I've got left of my life then they need their head looking at.

I'm sorry you are going through this.

You say 5 years but if you have a terminal diagnosis you might be able to get a fast tracked application, i think it is for people who are expected to have less than a year but I don't know what your circumstances are, you just need your Dr to fill in a form

In all honesty, I think you should be more concerned that you are perpetuating myths about benefit claimants based on your own unusual circumstances. The type of people who think claimants are scroungers and it needs to be much harder for disabled people to claim will be lapping that up, framing your experience as the norm rather than the exception.
If you told the truth when claiming, the disabilities in your household obviously entitle you to the support. The fact you work is irrelevant to PIP. It's purpose is to offset the costs of disability so you are not in a worse position to an able bodied person in the same circumstances.

The hatred that has been whipped up by politicians and the press is a disgrace. NEVER feel ashamed, please don't because some of us recognise what an absolute struggle it is to get the help you need - from hostile assessors, mountains of medical proof etc and even then no guarantee you will be successful. I helped someone to apply for PIP and was appalled by the process. They told me they would give it back in a heartbeat if it meant they could be healthy again. You are not less than

No, i have incurable cancer. Forced out of employment, into ill health retirement and onto ESA and PIP.Do I feel guilty? Do I fuck! I need it to exist, before I die.

I claim for DD1. I don’t feel guilty. She’s in her thirties and can die at any time. Anybody who wants her benefits, should live her life for a month. They’d soon be begging to go back to a normal life!

There’s extra costs in her life - like waterproof covers for her mattress, the car seat, our settees; incontinence pants; more bed clothes; a fan on her 24/7 in hot weather; extra heating in the winter; a high protein diet; extra laundry costs….

IMO, welfare costs are less than they were, before Austerity came in and all this talk about bankrupting the country is ideological nonsense to justify cuts to the most vulnerable, while the rich get richer! Scapegoating at its worst!

Do you realise not all disabilities are diagnosed at birth?

That some may not be diagnosed until adulthood?!

OP may have had one child presenting with issues and found out they have a genetic condition then tested her other 2 living children.

You do not know her circumstances.

And your post smacks of 'diabled children shouldnt be allowed to live'

Disgusting

Agree 1000%
I sincerely hope you are successful with your claim.

Heaven help me! 🙈

If the taxpayer can provide for so called asylum seekers (aka undocumented alien scroungers) who never paid a penny to the community then we should be able to look after British born sick and disabled. Government data reports that overpayments due to fraud historically hover near zero or at very low single-digit percentages

My partner and I are both high earners, and I don’t feel guilty for claiming my sons DLA whatsoever.

He’s entitled to it, and it pays back some of the astronomical cost of catering to his needs.

Nobody should be feeling guilty for being disabled.